In an electronic device having a processor, a visual display, apparatus for entering data into said device, and an electronic memory, a method for reliably determining whether confidential handwritten or voice data entered into the electronic device for processing has been recognized by the device as representing a character the user intended to enter, comprising the steps of receiving a data entry, translating the entry into digital signals and combining the digital signals to create a character, saving the character in electronic memory, commencing a timing sequence, displaying the character on the visual display, awaiting the expiration of the timing sequence, and replacing the character with a mask character on the visual display and, if the character was incorrect, allowing the user to re-enter the character and, if the character was correct, accepting another character, and, when all characters have been entered, sending the saved characters to the processor for processing.