Word of the Day: one-time password token (OTP token)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |May 10, 2017

one-time password token (OTP token) A one-time password token (OTP token) is a security hardware device or software program that is capable of producing a single-use password or PIN passcode. One-time password tokens are often used as a part of two-factor and multifactor authentication. The use of one-time password tokens hardens a traditional ID and password system by adding another, dynamic credential.   Depending upon the vendor, a OTP token will generate a PIN synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous tokens use a secret key and time to create a one-time password. Asynchronous tokens use a challenge-response authentication mechanism (CRAM).   In the past, OTP security tokens were usually pocket-size fobs with a small screen that displayed a number. The number changed every 30 or 60 seconds, depending on how the token was configured and the user entered his or her user name and password, plus the number displayed on the token.   Today, OTP tokens are often software-based, and the passcode generated by the token is displayed on the user's smartphone screen. Software tokens make it easier for mobile users to enter authentication information and not have to keep track of a separate piece of hardware. Quote of the Day "Strong authentication methods typically involve dynamically generated OTPs or certificate- and context-based authentication." - Dan Sullivan   Trending Terms key fob multifactor authentication two-factor authentication Google Authenticator FIDO   Learning Center Multifactor authentication: A buyer's guide to MFA products Learn about the evolution of multifactor authentication technology, as well as how to procure and buy the right MFA products for your organization. Strong authentication methods: Are you behind the curve? Why don't more enterprises adopt strong authentication methods? The answer may lie in uncertainty about implementation strategies and costs. FIDO authentication standard could signal the passing of passwords Governments and industry are turning to the FIDO authentication standard for long term solutions to the challenges of effective and secure authentication. Why mobile two-factor authentication is better than biometrics By adding a second criterion to device access, mobile two-factor authentication makes it much more difficult for hackers to access users' devices. Authentication in the cloud: Are more open standards the answer? Cloud security expert Rob Shapland explains how open standards such as FIDO, SAML and OpenID can help ensure secure user authentication in the cloud. Writing for Business The credit union website uses two-factor authentication to protect _____ members. a. their b. its Answer       Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.