

However, that price gets you high-quality security and reliability without the security concerns of hacked devices or compromised software. While hard tokens have come a long way in both convenience and security, they're an investment and one that may not be the most convenient for small businesses. Smartphone batteries tend to die much faster than hard token batteries, but your authentication needs can often be transferred between devices as needed.Īnother consideration is the price. They tend to rely on apps on devices such as smartphones to work, so you have to make sure to always have your phone with you when you want to use these devices. Soft tokens have some benefits and drawbacks worth considering as well. For small businesses, this expense can add up: after all, hard tokens, being a physical object, are a monetary investment in terms of their procurement. Also, hardware token batteries have a limited life and cannot be recharged, with the typical lifespan being between three and five years. Carrying a small physical "key" for your access can lead to problems if it gets lost, for example. Hard tokens, while considered incredibly secure, do have their downsides.
