ADAPTIVE DEVICE AUTHENTICATION

Device attributes corresponding to hardware and system configuration and characteristics of the user of the device are associated with adjustment logic, e.g., according to various types and classes of attributes. A hierarchical authentication process provides highly detailed and accurate authentication of a device, including device identification, device authentication, user authentication, and attribute adjustment. If the device is not properly identified, authentication fails. Otherwise, device authentication is attempted. If device authentication fails, all authentication fails. Otherwise, the user of the device is authenticated. If user authentication fails, authentication of the device fails. Otherwise, adjustment logic is used to adjust attributes for subsequent authentication.