Abstract

An access control system for use in connection with a data communication system, particularly a data processing system having a computer apparatus, at least one user terminal and a communication link for providing communication between the computer apparatus and the user terminal is comprised of a controller switch and a first programmed computer means. The controller switch is connected to permit transmission of electrical signals between the computer apparatus and the communication link. The first programmed computer means is connected to the controller switch for actuating the controller switch to connect the computer apparatus and the communication link only upon verification by the first programmed computer that an authorized user is operating the user terminal. The access control system also includes an accessor switch and a second programmed computer means. The accessor switch is connected to permit transmission of electrical signals between the user terminal and the communication link. The second programmed computer means is connected to the accessor switch for actuating the accessor switch to connect the user terminal and the communication link only upon verification by the first programmed computer means that an authorized user is operating the user terminal. The second programmed computer means communicates with the first programmed computer means to verify authorized user operation of the user terminal.