Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling access to a network. A device controls communication between a computer and the network. The device includes an integrated circuit receiving signals from one or more peripheral devices and transmitting the received signals to the computer, a first data connection connecting the computer to the device, and a second data connection connecting the apparatus to a network. The device also includes a switch connecting the first and second data connections and permitting the computer to access the network when in a first state and disconnecting the first and second data connections when in a second state. The device further includes a timer determining the time period since the last transmission of signals from the one or more peripheral devices, and when the time period since the last transmission of signals exceeds a predetermined time period the integrated circuit causes the switch to change from the first state to the second state.