Authentication system and method

An automated computer implemented method for implementing a one-time user authentication with a plurality of systems associated with a financial institution, wherein the method is executed by a programmed computer processor in communication with a communication device associated with a user, the method comprising the steps of:

• capturing, by an automated teller machine (ATM) configured to dispense cash and being equipped with a camera, a facial image of the user;
• generating a unique authentication token to represent an authenticated active session between the communication device associated with the user and the ATM of the financial institution after authentication of the user has been performed, the authentication with the ATM being based on at least one item of identifying information associated with the user, and the unique authentication token comprising a unique customer ID coupled with one or more keys representing a time of creation, a location of a specific branch of the financial institution and an identification of the communication device associated with the user, wherein the at least one item of identifying information includes the facial image of the user captured by the ATM;
• identifying another system of the financial institution requiring authenticated access, wherein the identifying is based on a selection made by one of the user through a user interface of the communication device and a teller through a computing device associated with the financial institution;
• transferring the unique authentication token from the ATM to the other system while maintaining the authenticated active session such that the authenticated active session established at the ATM is maintained at the other system, wherein the other is selected from one or more options presented, with an associated color indicator for each option to indicate availability, at one of the user interface of the communication device and the computing device associated with the teller;
• and
• updating configuration of the other system to waive authentication process at the other system for the user by continuing the authenticated active session that was established at the ATM between the communication device of the user at the other system, wherein authentication with the other system is based on the unique authentication code received from the ATM.