Reliable timestamp credential

A server computer comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing computer readable code, which when executed by the processor, causes the server computer to perform operations including:
• receiving an authentication request that includes an access credential having a timestamp generated by a communication device, the authentication request being received subsequent to the communication device transitioning from an active state to an inactive state and then back to the active state;
• determining whether the communication device had successfully executed a predetermined shutdown sequence by determining whether the access credential has reliable timestamp information;
• authenticating the communication device when the access credential has reliable timestamp information by having a non-reset value in the timestamp indicating that the communication device had successfully executed the predetermined shutdown sequence, and that the access credential has not expired;
• and
• requesting step-up authentication for the communication device when the access credential has unreliable timestamp information indicating that the communication device did not successfully execute the predetermined shutdown sequence.