A USB device can serve as what kind of token?

A USB device can serve as a hardware token because it is a physical object that provides a means of authentication or security. Hardware tokens are tangible devices that can generate or store authentication information, making them distinct from software tokens, which are applications or software-based solutions that provide similar functionality.

By using a USB device as a hardware token, users can achieve strong authentication; for example, plugging in a USB security key might enable access to a secure system by proving possession of that physical device. This physicality makes hardware tokens like USB devices essential in scenarios where enhanced security is required, as they are less susceptible to certain forms of attacks compared to their software counterparts.

Cryptographic tokens often use protocols or algorithms for secure transactions but can reside in various forms, including software or hardware. While a USB device can indeed be utilized to store cryptographic keys, categorizing it specifically as a hardware token is more precise. Virtual tokens, on the other hand, do not exist in a physical form and are primarily software-based solutions, distinguishing them further from USB devices that require a physical connection to function.