A system for authenticating and/or authorizing users of a service includes
one communication interface with an access communication channel and
another communication interface with a confirmation communication
channel. Requests for a user to access a service are received over the
access communication channel, and confirmation codes for the user are
received over a trusted confirmation channel, such as an SMS text
messaging system. Confirmation codes may be received from the user
requesting access to the service or by a third party acting as a
gatekeeper to the service. The system tests the validity of received
confirmation codes, and enables the user to access the service if a valid
confirmation code is received.