Authentication agent 304 and other clients 442 can then connect to the query component 314 to retrieve the security score 443 for a user from analysis component 441. Query component 314 can also be used by clients to query and verify user identities continuously throughout the usage of their service. Also, instead of merely identifying and authenticating a specific user, the system can potentially be used to determine whether a user's smartphone has been stolen, or borrowed, or if another user is trying to log into a user's device on behalf of the user.

Authentication Process

FIG. 5 presents a flow chart illustrating operations involved in the authentication process in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. First, the system detects a trigger event (step 502). As mentioned above, this trigger event can involve: detecting an activity of the user (such as detecting whether the user is walking, stationary, or driving a car); a state change associated in an electronic device belonging to a user (such as a smartphone waking up, changing its charging state, going in and out of range of a wireless access point, or moving a certain distance); a timer-based trigger; and a broadcast trigger received by the electronic device.