SUBSCRIPTION ACCESS SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN UNTRUSTED NETWORK

A system and method is disclosed for controlling access to computer resources using an untrusted network. The system preferably uses a hardware key connected to each subscriber client computer and adds software to the subscriber client computer and to the existing server computer. A clearinghouse is provided to store client and server identification data, including demographic data, including URL data, usage data and billing information. The clearinghouse authenticates the subscriber and server computers before an operating session occurs. For every new client session, a login mechanism requires the client computer to supply appropriate identification data, including a digital identification generated by the hardware key. The login parameters are verified by the clearinghouse and a session is then started. The system is adapted to protect preselected content from being printed or copied by a client using a web browser. The system architecture permits a geographical distributed system of multiple subscriber client computers, multiple server computers and multiple clearinghouses which can interact with each other.