METHOD, DEVICE AND SERVICE PROVISION MEANS FOR AUTHENTICATING A CUSTOMER FOR A SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED BY A SERVICE PROVISION MEANS.

摘要

Method, device and service provision means for authenticating a customer for a service to be provided by a service provision means. The invention relates to a method for authenticating a customer for a service to be provided by a service provision means. The method comprises the steps of: authentication of a customer as member of a defined customer group on the service provision means by means of a first group signature assigned to the defined customer to prove authorization of the customer to avail himself of a service; request for the service from the service provision means by the authenticated customer; and authentication of the customer as a member of the defined customer group by means of a second group signature assigned to the defined customer group to demonstrate the customer's consent to a billing process for billing the requested service at the billing centre. The method allows for a secure use of the service while assuring the customer's anonymity. The invention further relates to a device for performing the method and a service provision means.