In an electronic data storage medium accessed by a data terminal, a fingerprint sensor scans a fingerprint of a user of the electronic data storage medium and generals fingerprint scan data. A processing unit is operable operable selectively in a programming mode, where the processing unit activates an input/output interface circuit to store a data file and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file in a memory device, and a data retrieving mode, where the processing unit activates the input/output interface circuit to transmit the data file to the data terminal upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage medium is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device as a result of comparison between the fingerprint scan data from the fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint reference data.