Abstract: A full-featured authentication framework is provided that allows for the dynamic selection of authentication modalities based on need and/or environment. The framework comprises a server responsible for handling requests for data and services from the other components, a logon module, a user administration tool and a system administration tool. The authentication framework may be used in a multi-biometric environment or one that contains a combination of any other authentication techniques. The system is built on a BioAPI framework and uses common data security architecture. A primary feature of the system of the present invention is the facilitation of the installation of authentication modalities, possibly from numerous vendors, thereby allowing for plug-and-play of new biometric functionality and additional core data security modules with no extra programming effort.