Which type of authentication method involves a time-based component between a token and an authentication server?

The correct choice refers to a method of authentication that incorporates a time-based element, which is a key feature of synchronous authentication. In this context, synchronous authentication utilizes tokens that generate temporary codes tied to a specific timeframe. This means that when a user attempts to authenticate, the token produces a new code every so often (e.g., every 30 seconds), which must match the code generated on the authentication server for access to be granted.

This method is widely used in two-factor authentication systems, where a user must provide not just a static password but also a dynamic code from a token, such as a hardware token or a mobile app like Google Authenticator. The reliance on time synchronization adds an additional layer of security, as the codes change rapidly and are thus only valid for a short period, significantly reducing the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the authentication mechanism.

In contrast, asynchronous methods do not rely on time-based components and often involve a sequence of data exchanges or a one-time code that doesn’t depend on current time links. Challenge/Response methods rely on the user’s answer to a prompt rather than a time-bound token. Behavioral authentication focuses on patterns of user behavior rather than time-sensitive tokens. Each of these alternatives lacks the specific time-based