A method for setting up and managing secure data/audio/video links with secure key exchanges, authentication and authorization is described. An embodiment of the invention enables establishment of a secure link with limited privileges using the machine identifier of a trusted machine. This is particularly useful if the user of the machine does not have a user identifying information suitable for authentication. Furthermore, the presentation of a default user identifying information by a user advantageously initiates intervention by a system administrator instead of a blanket denial. This decentralized procedure allows new users access to the network without having to physically access a centralized facility to present their credentials. Another embodiment of the invention enables a remote user to connect to a secure network with limited privileges.