A computer system for authenticating user access to at least one computer application of a plurality of computer applications is provided. The computer system includes a memory device and a processor. The computer system is programmed to identify a security level from a plurality of security levels for each computer application within the plurality of computer applications. The plurality of security levels include at least a first-tier security level and a second-tier security level. The second-tier security level requires additional authentication information as compared to the first-tier security level. The computer system is also programmed to create a user account for a user within the memory device with the first-tier security level, and to determine that the user account requires the second-tier security level, and prompt the user to enter the additional authentication information. The computer system is also programmed to promote the user account to the second-tier security level.