Context-based authentication in a secure network comprised of multiple interconnected programmable devices is described. One technique includes receiving, from a programmable device, identity data and contextual data associated with a current authentication of a user attempting to access a secure network. The user is associated with the programmable device. The technique may include determining, based on the identity data and the contextual data, one or more patterns associated with the current authentication of the user. Furthermore, a risk level associated with the current authentication of the user may be determined based on the identity data, the contextual data, and the one or more patterns. In at least one scenario, access is granted to the secure network in response to the determined risk level. Other advantages and embodiments are described.