An Always-On Authentication (“AOA”) system comprises a computer system, such as a server, that automatically monitors and authenticates an enrolled individual's online transactions and/or activities to, for example, detect and/or prevent fraud. The AOA system actively monitors and/or authenticates the individual's online transactions and/or activities with service providers. A risk level may be associated with transactions and/or activities, and if a monitored transaction or activity is determined to exceed risk level for the individual, the individual may be prompted for further authentication information. A risk profile may be built for the individual over time based on the individual's history or pattern of transactions and activities. The AOA system may issue a virtual credential to the individual and/or to one or more of the individual's computing devices. The virtual credential may be provided to participating service provider(s) to enable seamless authentication of the individual during his/her interactions with the service provider(s).