A system for signaling coordinated workers in a common goal through intelligent icons transferred across networks to computer screens. The system can comprise one or more electronic data processors. The system can also include a module configured to execute on the more or more electronic data processors, where the module can be configured to display a plurality of intelligent icons, each containing authorizing information that is retained in a file associated with a authorizing entity on a computer screen. The intelligent icons can be potentially loaned to authorized individuals on a list and used to authenticate users of the system with biometric, image, machine readable codes stored surreptitiously within the intelligent icon. Also, the intelligent icon can be used for friend-foe identification in battlefield and homeland security/border control scenarios.