What is a software token?

A software token is specifically an application or program that generates a one-time password (OTP) or authentication token for verifying a user's identity during the login process. This mechanism is part of two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), enhancing security by requiring something the user knows (like a password) along with something the user has (like the token generated by the app).

The primary role of a software token is to provide a dynamic and time-sensitive code that changes frequently, which increases security compared to static passwords. The token might be generated either through a mobile application, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, or could be integrated within web applications to provide secure access.

In contrast, the other options refer to different security measures. An external device for security could include hardware tokens or USB security keys, but these are not classified as software tokens. Physical documentation for security purposes generally involves printed material such as manuals or guides, which do not have any active function in identity verification. A hardware device that stores passwords may refer to a password manager or a security key, again differing from the concept of a software token, which specifically pertains to applications that generate authentication codes.