We present a multi-partite protocol in a counterfactual paradigm. In
counterfactual quantum cryptography, secure information is transmitted between
two spatially separated parties even when there is no physical travel of
particles transferring the information between them. We propose here a
tripartite counterfactual quantum protocol for the task of certificate
authorization. Here a trusted third party, Alice, authenticates an entity Bob
(e.g., a bank) that a client Charlie wishes to securely transact with. The
protocol is counterfactual with respect to either Bob or Charlie. We prove its
security against a general incoherent attack, where Eve attacks single
particles.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, close to the published versio
