Tokenfree

Tokenfree is a term used in information technology to describe systems and design approaches that operate without traditional tokens, such as bearer access tokens, API tokens, or other transferable credentials, for authentication or authorization. In tokenfree architectures, identity verification and access decisions are established through alternative mechanisms that do not rely on issuing and presenting tokens. Common foundations include mutual TLS with client certificates, passwordless authentication methods (for example, WebAuthn-enabled devices or security keys), hardware-backed session establishment, and verifiable credentials or decentralized identifiers that can be presented as needed without reissuing tokens.

Applications include web services and APIs that aim to reduce token management overhead, Internet of Things deployments that authenticate devices via device certificates, and identity systems that rely on cryptographic attestations rather than token grants. In practice, tokenfree often involves short-lived cryptographic credentials, strong key management, and policies that determine how credentials are issued, renewed, and revoked.

Benefits cited for tokenfree designs include reduced risk of token leakage, simpler revocation in some contexts, and potentially improved privacy by limiting token exposure. Challenges include deployment complexity, reliance on public key infrastructures or hardware security modules, onboarding users, and ensuring interoperability across platforms that historically rely on tokens.

The term remains a design principle rather than a formal standard, and its adoption varies by domain. See also passwordless authentication, WebAuthn, mutual TLS, verifiable credentials, and PKI.