Could you explain what is meant by 'token' in the context of authentication and security?

In the context of authentication and security, a token is a digital object that confirms the access rights of a user or system. The token contains information about the user and their permissions, and is used to verify authenticity and authorization without the need to re-enter login and password.

For example, in JWT (JSON Web Token), the token consists of three parts: a header, a payload with user data, and a signature. The token is sent to the client after successful authentication and is then used to access protected resources.

Tokens enable stateless authentication, enhancing the security and scalability of applications.