Authentication Token

Definitions

1. A credential or artifact proving that authentication has already occurred, allowing later requests or sessions to proceed without re-entering credentials each time. The term can refer to session tokens, signed tokens, or other bearer artifacts depending on the system.

   In plain English: A token proving someone has already logged in successfully.

   Example: "The breach mattered because the attacker stole an authentication token that remained valid for hours."

Related Terms

• JSON Web Encryption
• JSON Web Signature
• Authentication Factor
• Authentication Protocol
• Cookie Security
• Hardware Token
• Long-Lived Token
• Privileged Session
• Provisioning Security
• Role Mapping