identity proofing. The RA, in turn, vouches for the identity of the applicant (and possibly other verified attributes) to a CSP. The applicant then becomes a subscriber of the CSP. The CSP establishes a mechanism to uniquely identify each subscriber and the associated tokens and credentials issued to that subscriber. There is always a relationship between the RA and CSP. Importance CSPs can establishes confidence of a user identity through an electronic authentication process. As a result, some regulatory agencies can ask individuals to proof their identities through a CSP. Today, regulatory agencies require physicians to be authenticated electronically before physicians can issue any prescription for controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Physicians have to seek for federally approved CSPs in order to receive a two-factor authentication credential or digital certificates. The CPSs conduct identity proofing that meets National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-63-1 Assurance Level 3. CSP and the US Government The federal government is currently the CSP for e-government transactions. However, the government plans to focus all their attention in the applications and leave the credential management business to other industries. In 2004, the US government proposed an E-authentication initiative. The goals of the initiative include: Build and enable mutual trust needed to support widespread use of electronic interactions between the public and the US Government. Minimize the burden on the public when obtaining trusted electronic services from the government. Deliver common interoperable authentication solutions, appropriately matching the levels of risk and business risks. As a result of this initiative, campuses may start offering to student, faculty and staff access to certain federal applications. However, before this happens, the government will impose the following requirements: FedFed Membership requirements for levels 1 & 2 Credential Assessment Signing Business and Operating Rules Technical Interoperability at SAML 1.0 FedFed Membership requirements for levels 3 & 4 Cross-certification with Federal PKI Service Provider Requirements to Join Federal Federation Directly Those services provides wishing to join the Federal Federation Directly will have to agree with: eAuthentication Business and Operating rules in Risk Analysis Service levels Security levels″ Compliance with FIPS and NIST SPs Reporting requirements Procedural, audit and documentation requirements. Providers Below is a short list of some CSPs with a short description of the services they provide. Equifax Equifax provides credentialing solutions certified that meet Federal security and privacy requirements. Equifax offers beyond basic name and address identification credential. Equifax provides