An aspect of the current invention involves an apparatus and method for protecting media content from being read and copied by an unauthorized party. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by storing keys for decrypting encrypted media content on a secure memory device located in proximity to a computer processor. A secure memory device located in proximity to a computer processor allows for decryption keys to be sent to a user of the computer processor in advance of the user receiving an encrypted media content that will be decrypted with the decryption keys. With the secure memory device, the decryption keys can be stored indefinitely without an unauthorized party gaining access to them. Another embodiment of the invention allows for multiple media content providers to store their own decryption keys for their own encrypted media content simultaneously on a secure memory device located with a user's personal computer. A further embodiment of the invention involves using a secure memory device located with a means for displaying media content—such as a monitor or speaker—to allow for secure transfer of decrypted, decompressed media content from a computer processor used to play media content, a stand-alone media content player, or a set-top box media content player to a media content display