What are "security tokens" primarily used for?

Security tokens are primarily used to access secure resources through authentication. These tokens serve as a means of validating a user's identity and ensuring that only authorized individuals can access protected systems and information. When a user wants to log into a secure area, they may be required to present a security token, which can take various forms, such as hardware tokens (physical devices), software tokens (apps or digital codes), or even biometric tokens (like fingerprints).

This process enhances security by generating unique authentication codes or by utilizing cryptographic methods to confirm a user’s identity without exposing sensitive credentials. The use of security tokens is particularly vital in multi-factor authentication (MFA) setups, where they work alongside other forms of verification to create a more secure environment.

In contrast, options regarding increasing network speed, performing system backups, and storing encrypted data online do not accurately reflect the primary function of security tokens, which is centered around user authentication and access control.