A read-only bootable media is provided in which a remote agent loads the read-only bootable media onto a computer. The read-only bootable media provides a customized operating system that is run in the computer's volatile memory. The read-only media also disables any persistent storage connected to the agent computer or devices connected to the agent computer. This protects the agent's computer and any networks that the agent connects to from malicious software. Also, by disabling persistent storage, confidential information is protected from unauthorized retention by the agent.