1. A method comprising: determining that a user will utilize a target application on a user device in involvement with a particular set of smart objects based at least in part on a prediction that the user will likely utilize the target application on the user device in a given active environment of the user, the particular set of smart objects being selected based on the given active environment of the user; requesting cryptographic material for activating the smart objects of the set from one or more credential managers; receiving the cryptographic material from the one or more credential managers responsive to the request being consistent with one or more access control policies for the target application that are maintained by the one or more credential managers; and utilizing the cryptographic material to activate the smart objects of the set, wherein each of the activated smart objects provides a verifier with a proof of involvement with the user device; and receiving, from the verifier, an access key that controls user access to the target application, the access key being received responsive to an evaluation of a combination of the proofs of involvement provided by two or more of the activated smart objects; wherein the determining, requesting, receiving and utilizing are performed by at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory.