Abstract: A Security system for computer transactions incorporates a USB Security Key, a remote terminal and a secure access appliance to provide Security for a central computer. The USB Security Key is coded with a personal digital certificate and is required to be inserted into the remote terminal, along with the input of a personal identification number, before communications with the secure access appliance can be authenticated. The remote terminal is provided only with a central processing unit, random access memory, and restricted access, non-volatile flash memory storage device, which when used with a central computer, eliminates the need to store data on a permanent memory storage device. Software applications can be downloaded from the central computer for operation by the remote terminal. Since the IP address/name of the central computer is hidden by the secure access appliance, the central computer remains secure from unauthorized access and provides an audit trail.