Deleting confidential information used to secure a communication link

A non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon confidential information and executable code which, when executed by a processor of the first portable electronic device, causes the processor:

• to use the confidential information to establish a secure wireless communication link between the first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device;
• and
• to delete the confidential information from the memory responsive to removal of a smart card from the first portable electronic device for at least a period of time.

A non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon confidential information and executable code which, when executed by a processor of the first portable electronic device, causes the processor:

• to use the confidential information to establish a secure wireless communication link between the first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device;
• and
• to delete the confidential information from the memory responsive to a number of transactions having occurred between the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device over the wireless communication link.

A non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon confidential information and executable code which, when executed by a processor of the first portable electronic device, causes the processor:

• to use the confidential information to establish a secure wireless communication link between the first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device;
• and
• to delete the confidential information from the memory responsive to a strength of signals received at the first portable electronic device over the wireless communication link having dropped below a threshold.