VERIFICATION SERVER FOR USE IN AUTHENTICATION ON NETWORKS

The authentication of users on networks is performed more easily and efficiently, as follows: PA0 Authentication data sent from the application client 20 is relayed to a verification server 30 by the application server 10. The verification server 30 maintains a database of valid authentication data, against which it verifies received authentication data. Verification results are sent to the application server 10, which then processes users on the basis of these results. As a result, the configuration of application servers 10 is simplified. Verification servers or servers 30 can be used by a plurality of application servers 10, allowing for the efficient use of resources on a network.