A system and method for providing continued access to authentication and encryption services that includes a secure key store communicably coupled to a virtual smart card server. A virtual smart card driver is also provided and is communicably coupled to a virtual smart card secure hardware server. The virtual smart card driver communicates with an authentication client to authenticate a user, and access the user's private key stored in the secure key store when the user's physical smart card is unavailable. Continued access is provided when the user has been authenticated.