The method for authorizing access to computer applications is implemented using a computer installation which includes a computer station (1) connected to an inter-computer communication network (9), a read unit (10) connected by an electric cable (2) to the station (1), and at least one personalized portable object (7) in communication with the read unit (10) for the transfer of data. The portable object (7), in particular a wristwatch, includes a memory, several positions of which for access words are kept secret by a read and/or write barrier and at least one position of which for a word is readable.The read unit (10) detects the object (7) close by, reads the readable word and commands the station (1) to connect itself onto a determined server (8) to look in a checking file to see whether the readable word forms part of a list of authorised words. In the affirmative, a password is transmitted to the station (1) so that the read unit (10) sends it to the object (7) to open the read barrier. All the access words are then sent to the station (1) to authorize the opening of the corresponding applications.