Abstract: A method of providing continuous authentication in a contactless environment is provided. The method includes providing a reader having a contactless interface, as well as a device, operable to communicate with the reader. The method further includes the steps of receiving at the reader a first authentication request from the device, and communicating from the reader a second authentication request to a secure transaction service. The secure transaction service holds authentication credentials relating to the device. Authentication credentials relating to the device are received at the reader from the secure transaction service, and the reader provides continuous authentication based at least in part on the authentication credentials received from the secure transaction service.