Methods and apparatus for controlling user access to a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, a method performed by a user is provided for gaining access to at least one computing device. The method comprises gaining access to the at least one computing device at a first time by providing credential information to the at least one computing device to authenticate the user's identity to the at least one computing device; presenting to the at least one computing device a physical device comprising identifying information to associate the physical device with the user authenticated by the credential information; and gaining access to the at least one 10 computing device at a subsequent time by presenting the physical device to the at least one computing device without providing the credential information.