What type of tokens can files that reside on a network device be classified as?

Files that reside on a network device are classified as software tokens because they are typically digital representations of an access entity, like user credentials or encryption keys, that exist in a software format. Software tokens can be used for various authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, allowing secure access to network resources.

Unlike hardware tokens, which are physical devices used to generate or store authentication data, software tokens do not require a separate physical item. Firmware tokens, on the other hand, are embedded in devices at the firmware level, and physical tokens refer to tangible items like key fobs or smart cards. Since files on a network are digital and operate within software environments, they fit the classification of software tokens.