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A security token (or sometimes a hardware token, authentication token or cryptographic token) may be a physical device that an authorized user of computer services is given to aid in authentication. The term may also refer to software tokens.
Hardware tokens are typically small enough to be carried in a pocket or purse and often are designed to attach to the user's keychain. Some may store cryptographic keys, like a digital signature, or biometric data, like a fingerprint. Some designs feature tamper resistant packaging, other may include small keypads, thus allowing entry of a PIN.
Embodiments
Some tokens are very simple, others are complex and have embedded several other technologies. There are many vendors with different technologies, many of these are patented.
Digital signatures
For a digital signature to be trusted as a regular hand-written signature, the digital signature must be made with a private key known only to the person authorized to make the signature. Tokens that allow secure on-board generation and storage of private keys enable secure digital signatures, and can also be used for user authentication, as the private key also serves as a proof for the user’s identity.For tokens to identify the user all tokens must have some kind of number that is unique, not all of these fully qualify as digital signatures according to national laws. Tokens with no on-board keyboard or another user interface can not be used in some signing scenarios, like when confirming a bank transaction based on the bank account number that the funds are to be transferred to.
Single sign-on software
Some types of single sign-on solutions, like Enterprise single sign-on, use the token to store software that allows for seamless authentication and password filling. As the passwords are stored on the token, users need not remember their passwords and therefore can select more secure passwords.
One-time passwords
In short, a one-time password is a password that changes after each login, or changes after a set time interval.
Mathematical algorithm type one-time passwords
Mathematical algorithm type one-time passwords uses a complex mathematical algorithm to generate a new password based on the previous one, the first time a password is generated the algorithm typically uses a secret shared key. The open source OATH algorithm is standardized, others algorithms are US patented.
= CRYPTOCard
=CRYPTOCard produce a new one-time password each time its button is pressed. The computer system will accept several forward values in case the button is pressed more than once by accident, or if the client failed to authenticate.
= Verisign
=Verisign Unified Authentication uses the OATH standard. Verisign Unified Authentication OEM is Aladdin Knowledge Systems.
= Aladdin Knowledge Systems’ eToken NG-OTP
=The Aladdin Knowledge Systems' eToken NG-OTP is a hybrid USB and One-Time Password token. It combines the functionality of smart card based authentication tokens with OTP user authentication technology in detached mode.
Time-synchronized one-time passwords
A time-synchronized one-time password is constantly changing given a set time interval, thus to do this some sort of synchronization must exist between the client's token and the authentication server. For disconnected tokens this time-synchronization is done before the token is distributed to the client, other token types do the synchronization when the token is inserted into a input device.
= Booleansoft
=Booleansoft tokens synchronize with the authentication server when inserted into an input device like a USB input device or a CD-ROM drive. US patent pending technology.
= RSA Security's SecurID
=RSA Security's SecurID displays a number which changes at a set interval; e.g. a time-synchronized one-time password. The client enters the one-time password along with a PIN when authenticating. US patented technology.
= Vasco's DigiPass
=Vasco's DigiPass series has a small keyboard where the user can enter a PIN, in addition it generates a new one-time password every 36 seconds. US patented technology.
Token model types
Some tokens types are disconnected; thus they don't need an input device, on the other hand, some token types need input device's. For the purchaser of a security token solution there may be hidden costs in expensive input devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth tokens are often combined with a USB token, thus working in both a connected and a disconnected state. Bluetooth authentication works when closer than 32 feet (10 meters), if the token is not within the range then the token must be inserted into USB input device to function as an authentication device.
Disconnected tokens
Disconnected tokens are by far the most common today, VASCO's Digipass and RSA Security's SecurID are some examples. The advantage with disconnected tokens is that you don't need any input devices. On the downside, they have a relatively short estimated battery lifetime, usually only 3-5 years, which is low compared to USB tokens which may last 10 years. Some disconnected tokens allows the batteries to be changed after they expire, thus reducing the cost of purchasing new tokens.
PC cards
The PC card tokens are made to only work with laptops. Type II PC Cards are preferred as a token as they are half as thick as Type III.
Mykotronx Corp.
Mykotronx Corp. makes the Fortezza card token for laptops with a PC card input device.
Smart cards
Smart card input devices are relatively expensive compared to other token input devices. There are also significant wear-and-tear on the smart cards themselves because of the friction when sliding the card through the input device, thus shortening the lifespan of the smart card token.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
The USB input device has become a standard in computers today, USB tokens are therefore a cheaper alternative than other tokens needing a input device. The input interface is also very simple, causing less friction when inserting the USB token into the input device, thus USB are not victimized of friction damage over time.
Booleansoft
Booleansoft has several types of USB tokens, some include fingerprint biometrics. Each client that requires secure authentication is supplied with a personal security token. When the USB token is inserted into an PC's USB input device, a software program stored on the token (called the 'token software') is then automatically started. The token software lets the user generate new one-time passwords and digital signatures to access a remote resource for authentication purposes.
Verisign
Verisign's Unified Authentication provides a single, integrated platform for provisioning and managing all types of two-factor authentication credentials.
Smart Card Based USB tokens
Smart-card-based USB tokens which contain a smart card chip inside provide the functionality of both USB tokens and smart cards. They enable a broad range of security solutions and provide the abilities and security of a traditional smart card without requiring a unique input device.
Other types
Some use a special purpose interface (e.g. the crypto ignition key deployed by the United States National Security Agency). Tokens can also be used as a photo ID card. Cell phones and PDAs can also serve as security tokens with proper programming. Booleansoft provides CD tokens, some the size of a standard credit cards.
USB tokens have the advantage of being self-contained since they can be plugged directly to a computer's USB input device and therefore do not need a separate reader. From the computer operating system's point of view such a token is a USB-connected smart card reader with one non-removable smart card present.
Related technologies
Enterprise single sign-on
Some Enterprise single sign-on (E-SSO) solutions uses security tokens.
Two-factor authentication (T-FA)
Security tokens provide the "what you have" component in two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication solutions.
Usage
The simplest security tokens do not need any connection to a computer. The client enters the number displayed on his or her token, usually along with a PIN, when asked to do so. Others connect to the computer using wireless techniques, such as Bluetooth. Still others plug into the computer. For these one must:
- Connect the token to the computer using an appropriate input device
- Enter the PIN if necessary
- read the key from token and perform cryptographic operation on it or
- ask the token's firmware to perform this operation
A related application is the hardware dongle required by some computer programs to prove ownership of the software. The dongle is placed in a input device and the software accesses the I/O device in question to authorize the use of the software in question.
See also
References
- PKCS -- The RSA standards PKCS #11 and PKCS #15 define software interfaces.
- Specification for Integrated Circuit(s) Cards Interface Devices
External links
"Security token"