Which of the following is NOT a type of verification/authentication?

Which of the following is NOT a type of verification/authentication?

• A. HMAC
• B. OAuth 2.0
• C. Session Key
• D. Token

Answer: (C)

In the context of verification and authentication methods, a session key is primarily used as a means of securing communication between parties once they have already been authenticated. It serves to encrypt data transmitted between a client and a server but does not itself verify or authenticate a user. HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code), OAuth 2.0, and tokens all play active roles in the processes of verification and authentication. HMAC is a specific method to verify the integrity and authenticity of a message, ensuring that it came from a legitimate source and has not been altered. OAuth 2.0 is a protocol that allows secure delegated access, enabling users to authenticate using third-party services without sharing their credentials directly. Tokens, such as JSON Web Tokens (JWT), are often used after a user has been authenticated to maintain session states or store user information. Thus, among the given options, the session key is the only one that does not primarily function as an authentication or verification method itself, but rather as a component that secures communication post-authentication.

In the context of verification and authentication methods, a session key is primarily used as a means of securing communication between parties once they have already been authenticated. It serves to encrypt data transmitted between a client and a server but does not itself verify or authenticate a user.

HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code), OAuth 2.0, and tokens all play active roles in the processes of verification and authentication. HMAC is a specific method to verify the integrity and authenticity of a message, ensuring that it came from a legitimate source and has not been altered. OAuth 2.0 is a protocol that allows secure delegated access, enabling users to authenticate using third-party services without sharing their credentials directly. Tokens, such as JSON Web Tokens (JWT), are often used after a user has been authenticated to maintain session states or store user information.

Thus, among the given options, the session key is the only one that does not primarily function as an authentication or verification method itself, but rather as a component that secures communication post-authentication.