A system and method for restricting packet transfer to a computer across a
network, wherein the computer includes a network interface device coupled
to the network and wherein the network interface device includes a packet
filter. A security server is connected to the network. A packet is
received at the network interface device and the network interface device
determines if the packet is an authorized transaction. If the packet is
not an authorized transaction, the packet is routed to the security
server, where the security server determines whether the packet is an
authorized transaction. If the security server determines that the packet
is an authorized transaction, the network interface device is configured
to accept similar transactions.