A method and apparatus for identity authentication

The invention provides an identity authentication method and a device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: when a user triggers an application program, obtaining a secret picture corresponding to the application program selected by the user from a local map library; when the application program is triggered by the user, obtaining a secret picture corresponding to the application program. Analyzing the hidden user account number and the server identification in the hidden picture; the user is authenticated according to the user account and the server identification. In the invention, the user account number and the server identification are hidden in the user picture on the server side to generate a secret picture. Implementing the hiding of user account and server identity, improving the security of key information in the process of data transmission. After the client obtains the secret picture, the secret picture is confused in all local common picture files, which further improves the security