Python: Authenticate

test.py

if data.startswith("hello secret", 0) :
           if data == "hello secret lemmetalk\n":
                s.send("client authenticated\n")
                # store the fact that this client has been authenticated in another list 
                # which keeps track of authenticated clients
                # define this list at the top near where you defined the list for select sockets
   
            else:
                s.send("client not authenticated\n")
                s.close()
                input.remove(s)