What is the main function of a security token?

The primary function of a security token is to enable authentication and authorization. Security tokens are used to verify the identity of users attempting to gain access to systems or networks. They generate a unique, temporary key that confirms a user's identity. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific resources or information.

In the context of authentication, security tokens can take various forms, such as hardware tokens, software tokens, or digital certificates, each of which serves to confirm that user credentials are valid. For authorization, once a user's identity is confirmed, a security token facilitates the granting of permissions based on predefined roles or policies.

Other choices do have distinct roles in the broader field of security, but they do not capture the essence of what a security token is designed to accomplish. For example, while security tokens may contribute to securely storing data or monitoring user behavior, their central purpose revolves around the processes of verifying identity and granting access.