Secure data exchange desktop

Disclosed is a method of providing users with secure access to data, This is done by determining a system access permission for a user. The access permission information is received, and then implemented. Then when the user requests access to the data, establishing a secure data access environment within the computer system on the basis of the access permission information. In response to the user requesting access the method may authorise the user and verify access to the data through a remote storage medium. The method may in setting up a secure access environment intercept system resource access requests. Also disclosed are a system and method for providing user access to data by receiving at a processing system a data container with the data and an access means. Then executing the access means to establish a data processing environment within the data container and accessing the data.