A method and apparatus for continuously authorizing a computer for use. A proximity detection system provides a coded message from a badge on an authorized user to a proximity reader in communication with the computer. The computer contains a process either in its kernel, operating system, and/or application program to repeatedly and continuously detect the presence of an authorized user within a desired proximity of the computer. If an authorizing code is received from an authorized user, the computer continues to allow full use of the computer. If an authorizing code is not received, a desired feature of the computer (e.g., the display, the keyboard, the mode of the processor) is disabled until the authorized user again enters the proximity zone of the computer.