Authenticator: meaning, definitions and examples

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authenticator

[ɔːˈθɛntɪkeɪtə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security device

An authenticator is a security device used to verify the identity of a user attempting to access a system or account. It typically involves a two-step verification process, such as entering a password followed by a unique code sent to a registered device.

Synonyms

security token, verification device.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
authenticator	Use this term when referring to a person or system that confirms the identity of a user. It emphasizes the process of authentication. The authenticator verified the user's credentials before granting access. You need to enter your password and the code from the authenticator.
security token	This term is best used when describing a physical device or digital code that provides additional security during login processes. It is often used in financial or corporate settings. Make sure to carry your security token with you for secure access to the network. The bank issues security tokens to its customers for online transactions.
verification device	This phrase is used when talking about a tool or gadget specifically designed to confirm the identity of an individual. It can include anything from smartphones to specialized hardware. Use your verification device to complete the two-factor authentication process. The verification device sent a code to ensure it was truly you trying to log in.

Word

Description / Examples

authenticator

Use this term when referring to a person or system that confirms the identity of a user. It emphasizes the process of authentication.

The authenticator verified the user's credentials before granting access.
You need to enter your password and the code from the authenticator.

security token

This term is best used when describing a physical device or digital code that provides additional security during login processes. It is often used in financial or corporate settings.

Make sure to carry your security token with you for secure access to the network.
The bank issues security tokens to its customers for online transactions.

verification device

This phrase is used when talking about a tool or gadget specifically designed to confirm the identity of an individual. It can include anything from smartphones to specialized hardware.

Use your verification device to complete the two-factor authentication process.
The verification device sent a code to ensure it was truly you trying to log in.

Examples of usage

The authenticator app on my phone generates a new code every 30 seconds for added security.
I use an authenticator key to access my online banking account.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person who authenticates

An authenticator can also refer to a person who verifies or confirms the authenticity or validity of something, such as a work of art or a document.

Synonyms

validator, verifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
authenticator	Use this term when referring to a device or software that confirms the identity of a user, often in the context of cybersecurity or user access. The IT department issued a new authenticator app for all employees. You need an authenticator to access the secure section of the website.
verifier	This term is best used when referring to someone or something that confirms the truth or accuracy of information, often in contexts like audits, fact-checking, or authentication. The verifier confirmed that the signatures were genuine. As a verifier, your job is to ensure all reported facts are accurate.
validator	Use this word when you need to check the correctness or legitimacy of something, such as data, documents, or a process. It is commonly used in technical and academic contexts. The form includes a validator to ensure all fields are filled correctly. A validator checks the data entered by the user before it's saved in the database.

Word

Description / Examples

authenticator

Use this term when referring to a device or software that confirms the identity of a user, often in the context of cybersecurity or user access.

The IT department issued a new authenticator app for all employees.
You need an authenticator to access the secure section of the website.

verifier

This term is best used when referring to someone or something that confirms the truth or accuracy of information, often in contexts like audits, fact-checking, or authentication.

The verifier confirmed that the signatures were genuine.
As a verifier, your job is to ensure all reported facts are accurate.

validator

Use this word when you need to check the correctness or legitimacy of something, such as data, documents, or a process. It is commonly used in technical and academic contexts.

The form includes a validator to ensure all fields are filled correctly.
A validator checks the data entered by the user before it's saved in the database.

Examples of usage

The art expert acted as the authenticator for the painting, confirming its originality.
The notary public served as the authenticator of the legal document.

Interesting Facts

Technology

Authenticators often use two-factor authentication (2FA), which means they require something you know (like a password) and something you have (like your phone).
Many authenticators generate a special code that changes every 30 seconds, making it harder for bad guys to access your accounts.
Some websites and apps now use biometric authentication, like fingerprints or facial recognition, as a way to verify identity.

Security

Using an authenticator significantly reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to accounts.
More than 80% of data breaches occur due to weak or stolen passwords, highlighting the need for additional security methods like authenticators.
Security experts recommend using authenticators for sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, to enhance protection.

Etymology

The word 'authenticate' comes from the Greek word 'authentikos', meaning 'genuine' or 'real'.
It first appeared in English in the 15th century, focusing on establishing authenticity or validity.
As technology evolved, so did the term, expanding from documents and signatures to digital identities.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, you'll often see hackers bypassing authentication measures for dramatic effect, but in reality, these systems are designed to prevent breaches.
Video games often implement authentication methods to secure player accounts and reduce cheating.

Psychology

The trust in digital authentication systems can significantly influence user behavior, as people often prefer secure environments to share personal information.
Cognitive biases can affect how users choose their passwords, often leading to predictable choices that can be easily guessed by attackers.

Translations

Translations of the word "authenticator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autenticador

🇮🇳 प्रमाणक

🇩🇪 Authentifizierer

🇮🇩 autentikator

🇺🇦 аутентифікатор

🇵🇱 uwierzytelniacz

🇯🇵 認証器 (にんしょうき)

🇫🇷 authentificateur

🇪🇸 autenticador

🇹🇷 doğrulayıcı

🇰🇷 인증기

🇸🇦 المصادق

🇨🇿 autentizátor

🇸🇰 autentifikátor

🇨🇳 认证器 (rènzhèng qì)

🇸🇮 overitelj

🇮🇸 auðkennisvottunartæki

🇰🇿 аутентификатор

🇬🇪 ავთენტიფიკატორი

🇦🇿 avtentifikator

🇲🇽 autenticador