AccessLink

AccessLink is the authentication service/database for the Credits monetary system in the universe.

Credits are prevented from being "counterfeited" by going through an authentication service run by AccessLink. AccessLink has many security features that have largely prevented Credits from being counterfeited, including unique authorization numbers for transactions, Credits themselves, and many other features. AccessLink is the primary authenticator of Credits, but there are other, smaller authentication companies that are licensed by AccessLink to run in certain areas.

AccessLink is independently ran. It is owned by numerous powerful corporations, and is essentially a corporation that has a social responsibility to most of humanity. AccessLink is a vital service and in the interest of sustaining status quo, many corporations invest in the company to sustain its authentication and databasing services for business purposes.

AccessLink holds a membership of merchants and corporations (those that take part ownership in the corporation are admitted at a discounted rate) that pay a "subscription fee" by "donating" a percentage of funds transferred through the system. AccessLink is essentially a credit card company, but for all funds that exist. Each particular Credit has its own serial number, much like a paper bill would have. Each Credit is approved for transfer and is tracked by which person holds ownership of the Credit until it is transferred to a new owner.

Many physical items that process Credits contain AccessLink technology, and many people have tried to alter the technology to gain "counterfeit" wealth, but most efforts have gone unsuccessful. AccessLink boasts a fast reaction to any new exploits to the system.