The invention relates to a method and device for authenticating a user to a computer and a handheld electronic data communications device with telephony capabilities. The device comprises a user interface, means for accessing an authentication code on a smart card (130) and a short range communications subsystem (340) for establishing a communication link (115) with a personal computer (110). The method takes place in the device and comprises authenticating the user to the device by the smart card (130); reading an authentication code from the smart card; initiating release of the authentication code for transmission to the computer in response to entry of a correct user code; and transmitting the authentication code to the personal computer over the communication link to authenticate the user to the personal computer.