Term of the Moment
Internet modem
Definition: authentication token
(1) A USB key or app in a smartphone that provides a second authentication mechanism. See two-factor authentication.
(2) A security device given to authorized users in order to log in to a network. The security "token," "card" or "key" may be read like a credit card, or it may display a changing code that is typed in as the password or in addition to a primary password. Security codes generated in real time can also be created entirely in software as "soft tokens." See SecurID card, challenge-response, authentication and security protocol.
YubiKey Security Key
(2) A security device given to authorized users in order to log in to a network. The security "token," "card" or "key" may be read like a credit card, or it may display a changing code that is typed in as the password or in addition to a primary password. Security codes generated in real time can also be created entirely in software as "soft tokens." See SecurID card, challenge-response, authentication and security protocol.
Security tokens that plug into the computer's USB port are popular, and Yubico makes a variety of such products (see FIPS 140-2). (Image courtesy of Yubico.)