What is a Security Token?
A security token is a digital object that represents a specific right or permission within a system. It can be used for authentication, authorisation or access control purposes. Security tokens can be hardware-based (like a security key) or software-based (like a digital certificate).
Benefits_
- Enhanced security: Security tokens offer a stronger layer of authentication compared to traditional username and password combinations. They are less susceptible to phishing attacks or password breaches.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Security tokens are often used as part of a multi-factor authentication (MFA) strategy, adding an extra layer of verification beyond just a password.
- Improved access control: Tokens can be configured to grant specific permissions or access levels within a system, providing granular control over user access.
Use cases_
- Cloud security: Security tokens are commonly used to access cloud-based resources like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Some VPNs utilise security tokens for two-factor authentication when connecting to a remote network.
- Data encryption: Security tokens can be used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data, ensuring only authorised users can access the information.
Key components_
- Token issuer: The entity responsible for creating and issuing security tokens. This could be a dedicated security token service or an application itself.
- Token format: Security tokens can come in various formats, such as hardware tokens, software tokens or digital certificates.
- Token validation: The process of verifying the legitimacy of a security token before granting access.
