PERSONAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A multi-component system for linking a user to a product or service provider includes a user processing device, a storage device, and a provider device. The storage device stores provider-specific application software, user-specific data, and a file management program. The storage device and the processing device are coupled to each other to form a user device which communicates with the provider device. Under direction of the file management program, the processing device carries out a recognition methodology which determines whether the processing device and the storage device are authorized to operate with each other. This aspect of the system makes it possible to render the storage device operable only with a specific user processing device, referred to as the principal processing device. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of fraud since the storage device cannot be used without the principal processing device. Once it is determined that the processing and storage devices are authorized to interact with each other, the processing device executes the provider-specific application software to exchange information with the provider device. Together, the user and provider devices implement unique recognition and comprehension methodologies to ensure that the parties are authorized to communicate with each other and to ensure that the information exchanged cannot be understood by third parties. Overall, the system provides a highly secure mechanism for transferring information from one party to another.