System and method for identity verification

A system for verification of a user's identity in a transaction performed using a personal computer connected to the Internet, the system comprising:

• a personal computer connectable to the Internet, the personal computer having identification information associated with the personal computer;
• a card reader coupled to the personal computer to communicate data to the personal computer;
• a personal identification card having access information stored thereon, the card engageable with the card reader to transfer the access information from the card to the personal computer via the card reader, and
• at least one web site on the Internet configured to combine the access information from the card with the identification information associated with the personal computer, the web site further configured to provide access to the web site when the access information from the card and the associated identification information of the personal computer correspond to at least one known combination of access information and identification information having authorized access to the web site;
• wherein the identification information associated with the personal computer is based on at least one media access control number of at least one hardware device installed in the personal computer.