Physical Token

Definitions

1. A tangible object used in authentication or access control, such as a hardware OTP device, smart card, badge, or FIDO key. Physical tokens can improve security by providing something the user must actually possess, though theft and poor lifecycle management remain risks.

   In plain English: A real-world device or object used to prove identity or grant access.

   Example: "The bank required a physical token for privileged transfers instead of relying only on app-based codes."

Related Terms

• Two-Factor Authentication
• Out-of-Band Authentication
• SIM Swapping
• Time-Based One-Time Password
• Authentication Factor
• Hardware Key
• Hardware Token
• Long-Lived Token
• Multi-Factor
• One-Time Password
• API Token