Which statement describes the differences between the synchronous and asynchronous modes of operation in a token-based password generator?
Correct Answer: C
Synchronous mode refers to a time-based process where the password is generated at regular intervals (usually every 30 or 60 seconds) using a shared secret between the token and the authentication server. The generated password is valid only for a short period, typically synchronized with the system's time, making it a time-governed calculation.
Asynchronous mode operates differently by generating passwords based on a system-generated challenge. In this mode, the user's token doesn't rely on synchronized time but instead on a challenge-response mechanism. The generated password might not change periodically but could depend on the specific interaction or event.