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Technical Bulletins -
Authentication 101 |
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Token - USB Token
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USB token
devices are used for authenticating user identification,
usually in coordination with a personal identification
number (PIN) or single password. USB tokens contain a
tiny computer chip for securely storing information.
They are technologically identical to smart cards, with
the exception of their form factor and interface. USB
smart tokens are typically smaller than a house key and
are designed to interface with the universal standard
bus (USB) ports found on millions of computers and
peripheral devices. |
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Advantages of USB tokens
include that readers are not required-the token simply
plugs into a USB port; token device drivers are easily
installed, unlike smart card readers, which can be
difficult to install and configure; the tokens are small
and designed to fit on a key chain. Furthermore, users
are required only to remember a single PIN (if required)
as opposed to multiple passwords.
Disadvantages include
that tokens can be lost as easily as a house key; tokens
need to be replaced every few years; and compared to
other methods, it takes longer for a user to
authenticate using a token device since there are
usually multiple steps in the verification process.
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