Authenticator

An authenticator is either a token of authentication or one who authenticates.

As a token, the authenticator can be a symbol or group of symbols, or a series of bits, selected or derived in a prearranged manner and usually inserted at a predetermined point within a message or transmission for the purpose of attesting to the validity of the message or transmission. A letter, numeral, group of letters or numerals, or any combinations of these, attesting to the authenticity of a message or transmission.

• In INFOSEC, authenticators are means used to confirm the identity or eligibility of a station, originator, or individual.
• In IEEE 802.1x, an authenticator is an entity at one end of a point-to-point LAN segment that facilitates authentication of the entity attached to the other end of that link. In practice, the authenticator is usually a network switch or wireless access point that serves as the point of connection for computers joining the network. The authenticator receives connection requests from a supplicant on the connecting computer.

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".
• Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
• National Information Systems Security Glossary