Data processing device, system and method

A system comprising a plurality of data processing devices, wherein each data processing device comprises circuitry configured to:

• receive an electronic request message;
• perform a first predetermined process using the electronic request message to generate first electronic information;
• receive, from each of the other data processing devices, respective first characteristic data of respective second electronic information generated by that other data processing device performing a respective second predetermined process using the electronic request message;
• generate, for each of the other data processing devices, respective second characteristic data of the first electronic information;
• compare, for each of the other data processing devices, the first characteristic data with the second characteristic data, wherein the first characteristic data of that other data processing device is known to match the second characteristic data of that other data processing device when the first electronic information matches the second electronic information generated by that other data processing device;
• and
• when one or more matches between the first characteristic data and second characteristic data for the other data processing devices meet a predetermined condition, perform a third predetermined process using the first electronic information.

A method of operating a first data processing device, the method comprising controlling circuitry of the first data processing device to carry out the steps of

• receiving an electronic request message;
• performing a first predetermined process using the electronic request message to generate first electronic information;
• receiving, from each of one or more second data processing devices, respective first characteristic data of respective second electronic information generated by that second data processing device performing a respective second predetermined process using the electronic request message;
• generating, for each of the one or more second data processing devices, respective second characteristic data of the first electronic information;
• comparing, for each of the one or more second data processing devices, the first characteristic data with the second characteristic data, wherein the first characteristic data of each second data processing device is known to match the second characteristic data of that second data processing device when the first electronic information matches the second electronic information generated by that second data processing device;
• and
• when one or more matches between the first characteristic data and second characteristic data for the one or more second data processing devices meet a predetermined condition, performing a third predetermined process using the first electronic information.