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Reference.org
Credential service provider
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<p>A credential service provider (CSP) is a trusted entity that issues <a href="/facts/Security_tokens/0V55fErB">security tokens</a> or electronic credentials to subscribers. A CSP forms part of an <a href="/facts/Authentication/64y4S69b">authentication</a> system, most typically identified as a separate entity in a Federated authentication system. A CSP may be an independent third party, or may issue credentials for its own use. The term CSP is used frequently in the context of the <a href="/facts/Federal_government_of_the_United_States/VJCxUaf7">US government's</a> <a href="/facts/EGovernment/qX3n4Isv">eGov</a> and e-authentication initiatives. An example of a CSP would be an online site whose primary purpose may be, for example, internet banking - but whose users may be subsequently authenticated to other sites, applications or services without further action on their part. </p>