A portable memory element containing encrypted data is operatively connected to a first client, and the person associated with the portable memory element provides passcode information necessary to access the encrypted data, wherein the passcode information can be either alphanumeric or biometric, e.g. a fingerprint. The first client communicates with a server, which returns a passkey if the passcode information is authentic for the portable memory element. The first user of the first client then communicates, via a separate communications path, the passkey to a second user of a second client also in communication with the server, who then provides the passkey to the server. If the passkey provided by the second user is valid, the server provides for communication between the first and second clients, and enables the second client to access the portable memory element.