What is token authentication and how does it work?

What is token authentication and how does it work?

Token authentication is a security mechanism that uses tokens to verify user identity. Instead of sending credentials with each request, a user logs in once and receives a token. This token is then used for subsequent requests.

What are the advantages of using token authentication?

Some advantages include improved security, statelessness, and the ability to work across different domains and platforms.

Can you explain how tokens are generated?

Tokens are typically generated by the server upon successful login, often using algorithms like JWT (JSON Web Tokens) that encode user information and expiration.

What happens if a token is compromised?

If a token is compromised, an attacker can impersonate the user. It's crucial to implement token expiration and revocation mechanisms to mitigate this risk.