Hardware authenticators

A hardware authenticator is a device specifically designed to create OTP values and digital signatures. Each hardware authenticator can be used for the following authenticator application types:

  • Response-Only
  • Challenge/Response
  • Signature

Hardware authenticator types

E-signature authenticators

Authenticator devices of this type are typically capable of supporting more than one authenticator application. Some of these authenticators can be programmed so that a PIN must be typed before they generate a one-time password (OTP) or an electronic signature.

Examples: Digipass 760, Digipass 785

Single-button authenticators

This is the simplest authenticator type. An authenticator without a keypad has a triggering mechanism—typically an action, e.g. pressing a button. That action triggers the generation of a one-time password (OTP). Single-button authenticators only have one authenticator application, which is always Response-Only.

Example: Digipass GO 7

DIGIPASS smart card readers

DIGIPASS smart card readers provide two-factor authentication based on smart card technology in a similar way to other hardware authenticator devices. The smart card itself provides the secret used to generate a one-time password (OTP) and electronic signature.

OneSpan Authentication Server supports EMV-CAP-compliant smart cards and smart card readers (see EMV-CAP).

Example: Digipass 870