What is a difference between access token and basic authentication in REST-based authentication processes?
- Basic authentication reduces the risk of exposing credentials compared with access token authentication.
- Basic authentication offers enhanced security, flexibility, and ease of integration compared with access token authentication.
- Basic authentication requires a user to provide credentials in every request while an access token can be used for multiple API calls.
- A user can create their own authentication credentials in basic authentication while an access token must be assigned by a web server administrator.
Explanation: Advantages of Access Tokens Over Basic Authentication include:
- Security - Tokens reduce the risk of exposing credentials (like username and password) in every request. They can be scoped to limit access and can be revoked if compromised.
- Convenience - Once a token is generated, it can be used for multiple API calls without having to authenticate each time.
- Control - Multiple tokens can be generated for different purposes or applications, each with its own set of permissions.
Access token authentication offers enhanced security, scalability, flexibility, and ease of integration, making it a preferred choice for secure and efficient access to APIs and services.
Related exam: 15.8.2 Module Quiz Answers – CCNA 200-301 Exam v1.1 Supplemental Module
