A compact personal token apparatus (100,120,140,200,220,300,320,500), resembling a conventional USB memory fob in size, shape, and form which can be plugged into a PC and interfaced with the virtual world of the Internet. The apparatus is capable of loading and storing information from the Internet, via the PC to its flash memory (410) or EEPROM and then using the stored information or value via its contactless interface (108,128,148,508) in the real world. The apparatus is capable of implementing an auto-run application, when inserted into a personal computer. The apparatus is capable of exchanging information with other devices having compatible interfaces. The apparatus can also function as a firewall (400) when plugged between an Internet connection and a PC.