Method and device for monitoring a transaction

A device for monitoring a transaction between a user and a host, the device comprising:

• a memory storing a set of predetermined threshold values in association with corresponding operations;
• a timing control unit operative to provide timing information;
• a controller operative to detect a timeout event based on the timing information provided thereto and on a predetermined threshold value of a corresponding operation;
• and
• means to access external power from a host.

A method for monitoring a transaction between a device and a host, the method comprising:

• providing a set of predetermined threshold values accessible by a device, the predetermined threshold values being in association with corresponding operations;
• providing timing information accessible by the device;
• and
• detecting, by the device, a timeout event based on the timing information and on a predetermined threshold value of a corresponding operation,
• wherein activation of the device is conditional upon a signal received from a host.