What Is Hardware Authenticator?

What's in your wallet? It's not just money. It's also your identity. When you go to the bank, they don't just take your word for it that you're who you say you are. They check your ID and then make sure that the name on it matches the name on the account. Then they check again to ensure you know your PIN because if someone stole your wallet and understood everything, they could go on a spending spree and wipe out your savings before knowing what happened. What if there was another way? What if a device could confirm all of that information for them? Now there is! Multi-factor or two-factor authentication devices are what we refer to as hardware authenticators. Users must have a valid hardware authenticator to access a system or network. Users who enter an invalid token can complete their login attempt once they present proper documentation. Even after the system has granted them access, they will still be required to enter their password again before gaining access. Imagine a future where you're at your favorite coffee shop, and the barista asks you to plug in your USB stick. You do it, and they tell you that your order is ready! Or you're on a business trip and want to check into your hotel room. You plug in your USB stick, give them your name, nod approvingly and hand over the key card. That's the hardware authentication world—people no longer depend on passwords or biometrics to prove their identity. Instead, you can confirm whom you are simply by tapping into the power of your computer or phone: by putting in a flash drive or smart card. The benefits of this approach are multiple: it's easier for everyone because there aren't any passwords or biometric scans involved; it reduces fraud because there's no need to steal or guess someone else's password. It makes life easier for developers because they don't have to worry about managing user databases or adding new authentication methods as new technologies emerge.