A distributed authentication system and method comprises a smart card and a smart card reader, at least one processor; and a storage device communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the storage device storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: receiving information that is provided to the smart card reader from the smart card, the information including authentication information, identifying at least one device where authentication is desired, storing the information on a server wherein the server is accessible by the at least one device where authentication is desired, providing the stored information to the at least one device where authentication is desired, and authenticating a user of the at least one device where authentication is desired according to the stored information.