The present invention comprises a computer-implemented zero-trust authentication method that utilizes the Bitcoin Lightning Network, which is the sole protocol offering immediate, immutable, and cost-free Bitcoin settlement. A user requests access to the resource of a service provider and the user provides authentication material necessary to securely access the service provider. The service provider initiates a Hold Invoice via a cryptographic function to generate a pre-image hash, instructing the user to authorize release of Bitcoin in an amount stipulated by the Hold Invoice. Bitcoin is held in the Hold Invoice until an authentication attempt is either successful or unsuccessful. If successful, the user is issued an access token to login into the resource, the Hold Invoice is canceled and Bitcoin is released to the user. If unsuccessful, the pre-image is revealed, the user is denied access, and Bitcoin is transferred to the service provider as a settled payment transaction.