Security tokens and government mandates ensure your privacy

A security token is a physical device that is used to add an additional layer of authentication security to any login. Security tokens come in a variety of forms and are also commonly referred to as a hardware token or hard token, authentication token, usb token, security fob, or token fob.

Security tokens are typically used in conjunction with a username and password to authenticate a user's identity electronically. This is referred to as multi-factor authentication. For instance, security tokens can be used for online banking security. When a user logins into their online bank account, they must enter their username and password as well as the one-time-password from the security token. An attacker would need to know the user's username and password and have physical possession of the user's security token to login. The security token helps protect the user's account from unauthorized access, preventing fraud and identity theft.

A security token is typically a small device that people carry with them, often on their keychain. It cannot be easily replicated and is designed with a high level of cryptography. Some forms of security tokens may include small keypads so that user can enter a PIN number to retrieve the one-time-password from the security token. Other types of security tokens display a one-time-password which updates every 60 seconds. 

Security tokens and other forms of multi-factor authentication are being mandated by regulatory agencies, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPPA compliance ensures personal protection of your private health information. HIPAA compliance is a progressive step in ensuring protection and privacy of personal health information. Multi-factor authentication is widely recognized as a best practice for secure user authentication and as such is necessary to comply with HIPAA requirements for strongly authenticating access to Electronic Protected Health Information (EPHI). Healthcare organizations are rapidly adopting multi-factor authentication to meet HIPAA compliance among other industry regulations.

Adding multi-factor authentication can be a challenge for hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Security tokens can be cumbersome for physicians and healthcare practitioners to use. However, HIPAA compliance is not optional, so deploying security tokens or other forms of multi-factor authentication is necessary to meet regulatory requirements and protect patients.