Oppfriskningstokener

Oppfriskningstokener, also known as refresh tokens, are a type of credential used in computer security to maintain access to a system without requiring the user to re-enter their login credentials. They are commonly used in OAuth 2.0, an authorization framework that enables third-party applications to obtain limited access to a user's resources without exposing the user's password.

When a user initially logs in, the system generates an access token, which is a short-lived credential used to access protected resources. Simultaneously, a refresh token is also generated. This refresh token is a long-lived credential that can be used to obtain a new access token once the current one expires. This process allows users to maintain a continuous session without the need for frequent re-authentication.

Refresh tokens are typically stored securely on the client side, such as in a secure cookie or local storage, and are sent to the authorization server when a new access token is required. The server verifies the refresh token and, if valid, issues a new access token. This mechanism enhances user experience by reducing the number of times users need to log in, while also improving security by limiting the exposure of access tokens.

However, the use of refresh tokens also introduces potential security risks. If a refresh token is compromised, an attacker could potentially gain long-term access to the user's resources. Therefore, it is crucial to implement robust security measures, such as secure storage, short expiration times for refresh tokens, and regular token rotation, to mitigate these risks.