Networked entities face three major challenges today. Theft of or unauthorized access to confidential data is a constant concern. The inability to share data over a network without an increased security risk limits the ability of organizations to conduct business in the most efficient way. In addition, the lack of a viable single sign-on framework is inhibiting the growth of electronic commerce and networked operations.

The Initiative for Open Authentication (OATH) manages an open standard, for delivering solutions that allow for strong authentication of all users on all devices, across all networks.