An apparatus and method are disclosed for variable authentication requirements. The apparatus includes an operating status module identifying a change in an operating status of a device and maintaining a history of operating statuses, and an access control module comparing a current operating status with a previous operating status. The apparatus also includes a profile module maintaining a trust indicator for each operating status. The access control module determines a level of authentication required to unlock the device in response to the trust indicator associated with the current operating status. The method includes identifying a change in an operating status of a device and maintaining a history of operating statuses, and comparing a current operating status with a previous operating status. The method also includes maintaining a trust indicator for each operating status, and determining a level of authentication required to unlock the device in response to the trust indicator associated with the current operating status.