In token authentication, what is typically issued after verifying a server request?

In token authentication, what is typically issued after verifying a server request?

• A. A database connection string
• B. An API key and password
• C. A temporary credential token
• D. A signed JWT

Answer: (B)

In token authentication, after a server request is successfully verified, the typical outcome is the issuance of a temporary credential token. This token serves as a means of verifying the identity of the user in subsequent requests without having to constantly send their credentials. This approach enhances security by limiting the exposure of sensitive information and allowing for temporary access, which can be revoked or expired after a certain duration. While an API key and password can also be used for authentication, they are typically credentials that grant access on a more permanent basis, rather than a dynamic token that can expire or be invalidated. In contrast, the use of a temporary credential token is essential in scenarios where applications need to maintain session-based authentication or where frequent revalidation of user identity is required without exposing long-term credentials. Options like a database connection string are not relevant in the context of token authentication, as they pertain to establishing communication between an application and a database rather than user authentication. Similarly, while a signed JWT (JSON Web Token) represents a form of token, the phrasing of the answer is specific to the generic concept of a temporary credential token in token authentication. Thus, the issuance of such a temporary token after request verification aligns perfectly with the standard practices of token-based authentication systems.

In token authentication, after a server request is successfully verified, the typical outcome is the issuance of a temporary credential token. This token serves as a means of verifying the identity of the user in subsequent requests without having to constantly send their credentials. This approach enhances security by limiting the exposure of sensitive information and allowing for temporary access, which can be revoked or expired after a certain duration.

While an API key and password can also be used for authentication, they are typically credentials that grant access on a more permanent basis, rather than a dynamic token that can expire or be invalidated. In contrast, the use of a temporary credential token is essential in scenarios where applications need to maintain session-based authentication or where frequent revalidation of user identity is required without exposing long-term credentials.

Options like a database connection string are not relevant in the context of token authentication, as they pertain to establishing communication between an application and a database rather than user authentication. Similarly, while a signed JWT (JSON Web Token) represents a form of token, the phrasing of the answer is specific to the generic concept of a temporary credential token in token authentication. Thus, the issuance of such a temporary token after request verification aligns perfectly with the standard practices of token-based authentication systems.