Consolidation of user directories

A method for automatic user authentication is described. In response to a coupling of a separate hardware security device to a data processing system, credential information for each of a plurality of applications that the user uses is received from the separate hardware security device into an authentication credential container associated with the user. A plurality of applications accessible by a user are identified by examining authentication credential container of the user. A view of the plurality of applications accessible by the user is generated. The view is a consolidated user directory that contains user authentication information across the plurality of applications. The view may then be displayed to an administrator.