What is a bank token, and how does it guard your financial world? Imagine a secret handshake, a digital whisper passed between you and your bank, ensuring that only the right hands reach your precious funds. It’s a concept that has evolved from clunky hardware to sophisticated digital guardians, each designed to fortify the fortress of your finances.
At its heart, a bank token is a unique, often temporary, digital credential that represents a specific transaction or authentication request. It’s not a physical object you hold, but rather a string of data, a fleeting digital signature that confirms your identity and authorizes your actions. Think of it as a one-time password on steroids, or a digital key that unlocks a specific door for a limited time, vastly different from the physical tokens of yesteryear that were tangible yet often less secure.
Defining Bank Tokens

Hey there, fellow digital nomads and tech enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of bank tokens, Bali-style. Think of it as your digital passport to the financial world, keeping things smooth and secure while you’re chasing those epic surf breaks or soaking up the island vibes. It’s all about making your transactions as chill as a sunset on Kuta beach.Basically, a bank token is your digital key, a unique identifier that your bank uses to authenticate your transactions and keep your account info locked down tighter than a temple during a ceremony.
A bank token, a whispered secret of digital trust, shields your fleeting transactions. Yet, the wait for tangible access, for the plastic promise of purchase, can feel like an eternity, leaving one to ponder how long does a bank card take to arrive. This digital guardian, a bank token, remains, a silent sentinel.
It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that ensures only you can access your funds and make those important financial moves, whether you’re booking a scooter or sending money back home.
Fundamental Concept of a Bank Token
At its core, a bank token is a digital representation of a credit or debit card number, or even your bank account details, but with a twist. Instead of transmitting your actual sensitive information across the internet, a token replaces it with a randomized, unique string of characters. This token is specifically designed to be useless to anyone who intercepts it without the proper authorization.
It’s like having a secret handshake for your money.
What Constitutes a Bank Token
A bank token is essentially a placeholder. It’s a unique identifier, often a string of numbers and letters, that a financial institution generates and assigns to a specific payment instrument or account. This token is linked to your actual account information within the bank’s secure systems, but it’s this token that gets shared during a transaction. This process is part of a broader security framework called tokenization.
Primary Purpose and Function of a Bank Token
The main gig of a bank token is to supercharge security and reduce the risk of fraud. When you make a purchase, especially online or through a mobile app, your actual card number isn’t exposed. Instead, the token is used. If this token were to fall into the wrong hands, it wouldn’t be of any use because it’s not your real card number and can’t be used for other transactions.
It’s like having a one-time-use code for your purchases, making your financial life way more secure.
Distinction Between a Bank Token and a Physical Token or Chip
This is where things get interesting, and it’s not like the little plastic tokens you might get at an arcade! A physical token or chip, like the one on your credit card, is a tangible object that stores information. A bank token, on the other hand, is purely digital. While a chip on your card uses technologies like EMV to secure transactions, a bank token is a form of data abstraction.
Think of it this way: your card chip is like a physical safe, while a bank token is like a digital key that unlocks a specific compartment within that safe, and that key is only valid for that one compartment and that one use.
Types of Bank Tokens: What Is A Bank Token

Alright, so we’ve nailed down what bank tokens are all about. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the different kinds chilling in the financial scene. Think of it like different surfboards for different waves – each type of bank token has its own vibe and purpose, making your financial life smoother and way more secure.These tokens aren’t just one-size-fits-all, fam.
They’re designed with specific jobs in mind, from keeping your cash safe during online transfers to making sure only the right peeps can access your super sensitive data. Understanding these types is key to appreciating the tech behind your everyday banking.
Categories of Bank Tokens
Bank tokens can be broadly grouped based on their primary function and the underlying technology that powers them. This classification helps us understand their specific roles in securing financial transactions and data.
- Authentication Tokens: These are your digital bouncers, verifying your identity when you log in or authorize a transaction. They’re all about making sure it’s really you and not some random dude trying to crash your account.
- Transaction Tokens: Think of these as one-time use keys for specific financial movements. They encrypt sensitive payment details, ensuring that even if intercepted, the information is useless.
- Data Encryption Tokens: These tokens are like secret codes for your sensitive information. They scramble data, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key, keeping your personal and financial details under wraps.
- Smart Contract Tokens: These are a bit more advanced, often seen in the blockchain space. They represent assets or rights and can be programmed to execute specific actions automatically when certain conditions are met, like a digital escrow.
Implementation Across Financial Services
The way bank tokens are used is super diverse, showing up in pretty much every corner of the financial world. It’s all about making things convenient and, most importantly, secure.
- Online Banking and Mobile Apps: This is where you see authentication tokens most often. Every time you log in, a token is likely verifying your identity, sometimes via an app on your phone or a physical device.
- Payment Gateways: When you’re shopping online, transaction tokens are working behind the scenes. They tokenize your credit card details, so the merchant never sees your actual card number, making your purchase way safer.
- API Integrations: Banks use tokens to securely share data with third-party apps (like budgeting tools) through APIs. These tokens grant specific, limited access, ensuring your data isn’t exposed unnecessarily.
- Digital Wallets: Tokens are fundamental to how digital wallets store and manage your payment information, ensuring that each transaction is authenticated and secure.
Differentiating Characteristics of Token Types
What makes one token type different from another is pretty much down to its job and how it goes about doing it. It’s like the difference between a paddleboard and a jet ski – both on the water, but totally different experiences and uses.
- Lifespan: Some tokens are short-lived, designed for a single use (like transaction tokens), while others are long-lived, used for ongoing authentication.
- Scope of Access: Tokens can grant broad access to certain systems or very specific, limited permissions for a single action.
- Underlying Technology: While many rely on cryptography, the specific algorithms and implementation methods can vary significantly. Some might be tied to hardware, while others are purely software-based.
- Revocability: The ability to quickly cancel or revoke a token if it’s compromised is a crucial differentiating factor.
Security Feature Comparison of Bank Token Types
To really get a grip on how these tokens keep your financial life safe, check out this breakdown. It’s like comparing the safety features on different types of surf gear – each offers a different level of protection for its specific ride.
Token Type | Primary Use Case | Security Mechanism | Example Application |
---|---|---|---|
Authentication Token | User identity verification for access. | Often uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) principles, cryptography, and time-based codes. | Logging into your online banking portal or mobile app. |
Transaction Token | Securing sensitive payment data during transactions. | Tokenization, where original data is replaced with a unique token. Cryptographic hashing and encryption are key. | Online credit card payments where your card number is replaced by a token. |
Data Encryption Token | Protecting stored or transmitted sensitive information. | Symmetric or asymmetric encryption algorithms to scramble and unscramble data. | Securing customer PII (Personally Identifiable Information) in a bank’s database. |
Smart Contract Token | Representing assets or automating agreements on a blockchain. | Cryptographic signatures, immutability of the blockchain, and programmed execution logic. | Digital representation of a bond that automatically pays interest when conditions are met. |
How Bank Tokens Work

Alright, let’s dive into the magic behind these little digital keys. Think of bank tokens as your personal bouncer for all things money online. They’re not just random numbers; they’re sophisticated pieces of tech designed to keep your financial world safe and sound, letting you do your banking business with total peace of mind. It’s all about making sure it’s really you making those moves, no dodgy imposters allowed.The whole system is built on a foundation of clever cryptography and smart protocols.
These tokens are essentially dynamic secrets that change, making them super hard for anyone to guess or replicate. This constant evolution is what makes them so robust against cyber threats, ensuring your transactions are as secure as a hidden temple in Ubud.
The Lifecycle of a Bank Token
Every bank token has its own journey, from being born to eventually fading away. This lifecycle is meticulously managed to ensure maximum security and relevance. It’s like a well-choreographed dance, with each step serving a critical purpose in safeguarding your financial identity and transactions.The typical journey looks something like this:
- Issuance: When you first sign up for a service that requires a bank token, or when a new token is needed for enhanced security, the bank or financial institution generates it. This is like giving you your unique digital passport.
- Activation: Once issued, the token needs to be activated, often by you confirming its legitimacy through a secure channel, like entering a code sent to your registered device or email.
- Usage: This is where the token shines. It’s used during authentication attempts or to authorize specific transactions. Each use is logged and validated.
- Expiry/Revocation: Tokens are not forever. They have a set lifespan or can be revoked if there’s a security concern or if the associated service is no longer active. This ensures that even if a token were compromised, its window of vulnerability is limited.
Underlying Technology of Bank Tokens
The tech powering bank tokens is pretty gnarly, but in the best way possible. It’s a mix of clever algorithms and secure communication channels that work together to create a robust security layer. These technologies ensure that the tokens are unique, difficult to forge, and can be quickly verified.At its core, the functionality relies heavily on cryptography. This involves:
- Encryption: Sensitive data is scrambled so only authorized parties can read it.
- Hashing: Creating unique digital fingerprints of data that can’t be reversed.
- Digital Signatures: Using cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital messages or transactions.
These elements combine to create tokens that are both secure and dynamic, constantly adapting to maintain their protective capabilities.
Bank Token Authentication and Transaction Authorization
When you’re trying to do something important, like sending money or logging into your account, the bank token acts as your digital handshake. It proves it’s you and that you’re giving the green light for that specific action. This process is designed to be seamless for you but incredibly secure from any potential threats.The process for using a bank token for authentication or authorization is a streamlined yet secure sequence:
- User Initiates Action: You decide to perform a banking operation, like logging in, transferring funds, or paying a bill.
- Token is Requested/Generated: The banking system prompts you to provide your token or generates a one-time token for that specific action. This might involve entering a code from a physical token, an app on your phone, or a code sent via SMS.
- Token is Presented for Validation: The token you provide is sent back to the bank’s secure server. The server then uses its own cryptographic keys to verify if the token is valid, hasn’t expired, and matches the requested action.
- Action is Confirmed: If the token is validated successfully, the bank confirms your identity and authorizes the transaction. If it fails, the action is denied, and you might be prompted to try again or contact support.
User Interaction with a Bank Token for a Common Banking Operation
Let’s walk through a super common scenario: logging into your online banking. It’s a daily thing for many, and the bank token makes it safe.Here’s how you’d typically interact with your bank token for this:
- Step 1: User Initiates Action. You open your bank’s app or website and enter your username and password.
- Step 2: Token is Requested/Generated. After your username and password pass the initial check, the system will request a second layer of verification. This is where your bank token comes in. It might prompt you to enter a code from your mobile banking app (often called an OTP – One-Time Password), or a physical token device.
- Step 3: Token is Presented for Validation. You input the generated token code into the banking interface. This code is then sent securely to the bank’s servers. The bank’s system checks if this unique, time-sensitive code is valid and corresponds to your login attempt.
- Step 4: Action is Confirmed. If the token is valid, the bank confirms your identity and grants you access to your account. If the token is incorrect or expired, access will be denied, and you’ll be asked to try again.
Security Aspects of Bank Tokens

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping those digital bank tokens super secure. Think of it like having the ultimate VIP pass to your finances, and we’re talking about making sure only you can use it, no dodgy copies allowed. This section is all about the fortress these tokens build around your money.Bank tokens are like your digital bouncers, working hard to make sure only authorized hands get to touch your cash.
They’re not just fancy bits of code; they’re engineered with some serious protective measures to keep those sneaky cyber sharks at bay.
Security Benefits of Bank Tokens
The magic of bank tokens really shines when it comes to beefing up your online banking security. They’re designed to be way more robust than just remembering a password, which, let’s be real, can be as strong as a wet paper bag sometimes. Tokens add layers of protection that make it way harder for anyone to get unauthorized access.One of the biggest wins is how they drastically reduce the chances of fraud.
Instead of relying on something you
- know* (like a password) or something you
- have* (like your physical card), tokens often combine these, or use dynamic, one-time codes that are useless once used. This means even if someone snags your password, they’re still missing the crucial token piece to get in.
Methods for Protecting Bank Tokens
Keeping these digital keys safe involves a few smart tricks. It’s a whole ecosystem of protection, from how the token is created to how it’s used.The core idea is that the token itself is a unique, encrypted piece of data. When you use it, the bank’s system checks if it’s the real deal. This often involves sophisticated encryption algorithms that scramble the token’s information, making it unreadable to anyone without the right decryption key.
Think of it like a secret handshake that only you and the bank know.Furthermore, many systems use a combination of tokenization and other security protocols. For instance, a token might be tied to a specific device, adding another layer of authentication. If your token is suddenly trying to access your account from a brand-new, never-before-seen device, the bank’s system will likely flag it as suspicious.
Mitigating Risks with Bank Tokens
Traditional authentication methods, like static passwords or PINs, have some pretty obvious weak spots. They can be guessed, phished, or even brute-forced. Bank tokens step in to shut down these vulnerabilities.For example, a one-time password (OTP) generated by a token is only valid for a very short period and for a single transaction. This means even if a hacker intercepts an OTP, it’s already expired by the time they could use it.
This is a massive upgrade from a password that might be valid for months or even years.Another key advantage is how tokens can obscure sensitive data. Instead of transmitting your actual credit card number, for example, a token represents that number. This “tokenization” process means that even if the data is intercepted, the thief gets a meaningless string of characters instead of your valuable financial details.
Common Vulnerabilities and Mitigation Strategies
Even with all these defenses, no system is completely impenetrable. It’s about being aware of the potential weak spots and having solid plans to patch them up.Here’s a look at some common issues and how they’re tackled:
- Vulnerability: Phishing Attacks
-Attackers try to trick users into revealing their token or sensitive information. - Mitigation: User Education and Transaction Verification
-Banks educate users about phishing scams. Crucially, tokens are often used in conjunction with multi-factor authentication, requiring a second step (like an SMS code or app approval) that is harder to phish. The token itself might also be tied to specific transaction details, so a fake transaction prompt won’t work. - Vulnerability: Token Skimming or Interception
-Attempts to capture token data during transmission or from a compromised device. - Mitigation: Encryption and Secure Communication Channels
-Tokens are transmitted over encrypted channels (like HTTPS). The token itself is often dynamically generated and unique to each session or transaction, making intercepted data quickly obsolete. Secure hardware modules are also used to protect token generation and storage. - Vulnerability: Malware on User Devices
-Malicious software could potentially try to steal token information from a user’s phone or computer. - Mitigation: Device Security and Behavioral Analysis
-Encouraging users to keep their devices updated and use reputable security software. Banks also employ behavioral analysis to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate a compromised device, even if the token itself is technically valid. - Vulnerability: Social Engineering
-Tricking individuals into providing token access through manipulation. - Mitigation: Strict Authentication Protocols and Monitoring
-Implementing multi-layered authentication that goes beyond just the token. Banks also monitor for unusual access patterns or requests that deviate from a user’s typical behavior.
Applications and Use Cases

Alright, let’s dive into where these bank tokens are actually making waves, not just in theory but in the real, sun-drenched world of finance. Think of them as the ultimate backstage pass for your money, keeping everything legit and chill. From online shopping sprees to signing off on big business deals, tokens are quietly doing the heavy lifting to keep things smooth and secure.These little digital wizards are popping up everywhere, making financial interactions feel as breezy as a sunset surf.
They’re not just about security; they’re about creating a seamless, trustworthy experience for everyone involved, from the casual user to the serious investor.
Real-World Scenarios for Bank Tokens
Bank tokens are the unsung heroes in a bunch of financial scenarios, ensuring that every transaction, login, and sensitive action is protected. They’re the digital bouncers at the club, making sure only the right people get in and that everything stays on the up-and-up.
- Online Banking Access: When you log into your bank’s website or app, a token can be used to verify your identity, adding an extra layer beyond just a password. It’s like having a secret handshake that only you and the bank know.
- Transaction Authorisation: For significant payments, money transfers, or even setting up new payees, a token can generate a one-time code or authenticate the action, ensuring you’re the one giving the green light. This prevents unauthorized access and fraudulent transfers.
- Digital Wallets and Payments: Many digital wallets use tokenization to secure your payment card information. Instead of your actual card number being stored or transmitted, a unique token is used, making your transactions much safer.
- Corporate and Business Banking: Businesses rely heavily on tokens for authorising large payments, payroll, and accessing sensitive company financial data. This ensures that only authorised personnel can perform critical financial operations.
- Accessing Investment Portfolios: When you check your investments or make trades online, tokens can be used to authenticate your access and the execution of trades, safeguarding your financial assets.
Advantages of Bank Tokens in Specific Financial Contexts
The beauty of bank tokens lies in their ability to offer tailored security benefits depending on the situation. They’re like a Swiss Army knife for financial security, adapting to different needs and providing robust protection.
- Enhanced Security for High-Value Transactions: For large wire transfers or corporate payments, tokens provide a critical authentication step that significantly reduces the risk of fraud compared to simpler authentication methods. The dynamic nature of token generation makes them incredibly difficult to intercept and reuse.
- Streamlined User Experience for Frequent Logins: While adding security, well-implemented token systems can also improve user experience. For instance, biometrically linked tokens on mobile apps can allow for quick and secure logins without the user needing to constantly enter complex passwords.
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Many financial regulations, like PSD2 in Europe, mandate strong customer authentication (SCA). Bank tokens are a key technology enabling financial institutions to meet these stringent compliance standards, avoiding penalties and maintaining customer trust.
- Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: By tokenizing sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, the actual card details are never exposed during a transaction. This drastically reduces the impact of a potential data breach, as the compromised tokens are useless to fraudsters.
Effectiveness of Bank Tokens Against Alternative Digital Security Solutions
When we stack bank tokens up against other digital security measures, they often come out on top, especially for banking. Think of it like comparing a high-tech lock to a simple padlock; both offer security, but one is built for a higher level of protection.
While passwords can be guessed or phished, and static security codes can be intercepted, dynamic bank tokens offer a constantly changing layer of authentication that is much harder to compromise.
Here’s a breakdown:
- vs. Passwords: Passwords are the weakest link. They can be reused, guessed, or stolen through phishing. Tokens, especially dynamic ones, are not static and are generated for a specific session or transaction, making them far more secure.
- vs. SMS OTPs (One-Time Passwords): SMS OTPs are better than passwords but are vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks and can be intercepted if the mobile network is compromised. Bank tokens, particularly those integrated into secure apps or hardware, are generally more resilient to these types of attacks.
- vs. Static Security Keys: Static keys, while offering strong encryption, can be lost or stolen. Dynamic tokens, often generated on demand or linked to a device, provide a more flexible and secure approach for everyday banking.
- vs. CAPTCHAs: CAPTCHAs are primarily for bot detection, not for authenticating human users for sensitive transactions. They don’t provide the same level of identity verification or transaction authorisation as bank tokens.
Case Study: Enhancing Mobile Banking Security with Tokens
Let’s look at a real-world scenario that shows how powerful these tokens can be. Imagine a bank facing a surge in people losing access to their accounts. This is a nightmare scenario, but tokens can be the hero.
Case Study: Enhancing Mobile Banking Security with Tokens.Problem: A prominent retail bank experienced a worrying increase in account takeovers, leading to financial losses for customers and a significant erosion of trust in their mobile banking platform. Customers were reporting unauthorized transactions and difficulty accessing their own funds. Solution: The bank decided to implement a robust token-based authentication system for its mobile app. This involved introducing dynamic bank tokens that were generated for each login session and required for authorising any sensitive transactions, such as fund transfers above a certain threshold or adding new payees.
The tokens were integrated within the secure environment of the mobile app, often leveraging device biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) for an added layer of user convenience and security. Result: Following the deployment of the token system, the bank observed a dramatic decrease in account takeover incidents, with a reported reduction of over 70% in fraudulent activity within the first six months.
Customer satisfaction surveys indicated a marked improvement in perceived security, with users feeling more confident and secure using the mobile banking services. The enhanced trust translated into increased engagement with the app and a stronger overall customer relationship.
The Future of Bank Tokens

Hey there, digital nomads and finance geeks! We’ve journeyed through the nitty-gritty of bank tokens, and now, let’s catch a wave and see where this whole scene is heading. The digital landscape is always shifting faster than a surfer on a massive swell, and bank tokens are right there, ready to ride the next big wave of innovation.The evolution of bank tokens is deeply intertwined with the ever-changing digital world.
Think of it like this: as our online lives get more complex and interconnected, the tools we use to secure and manage our finances need to get smarter, sleeker, and more intuitive. This means bank tokens aren’t just static security keys; they’re becoming dynamic, adaptable pieces of our digital identity, ready to integrate with all sorts of cool new tech.
Emerging Trends and Potential Advancements
The world of bank tokens is far from static; it’s buzzing with innovation. We’re seeing a push towards making these tokens not just secure but also incredibly user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into our daily digital interactions. Imagine a future where your bank token is less of a separate entity and more of an invisible, intelligent guardian of your financial life.
This involves breakthroughs in how tokens are generated, how they interact across different platforms, and how they can empower individuals with more control over their digital identities.
Influence of Evolving Digital Landscapes, What is a bank token
As the digital realm expands, so too does the potential for bank tokens. Think about the rise of the metaverse, the increasing reliance on cloud computing, and the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT). Each of these developments presents new challenges and opportunities for secure financial transactions. Bank tokens will need to adapt to these environments, offering secure access and transaction capabilities within virtual worlds, managing IoT device payments, and ensuring data privacy in increasingly distributed systems.
The trend is towards tokens that are context-aware and can adapt their security protocols based on the environment and the nature of the transaction.
Integration with Other Emerging Financial Technologies
The real magic happens when bank tokens start playing nicely with other cutting-edge financial technologies. We’re talking about a future where your bank token isn’t just for logging into your bank app. It could be the key to unlocking decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities, managing your digital assets, or even participating in new forms of digital ownership. The integration promises to create a more fluid, interconnected, and user-centric financial ecosystem.
The future of bank tokens is about creating a secure, seamless, and empowering digital financial experience.
Potential Future Applications of Bank Tokens
Looking ahead, the applications for bank tokens are set to expand dramatically, making our digital lives both more secure and incredibly convenient. These advancements are designed to move beyond simple authentication, offering deeper integration and more personalized experiences.
- Enhanced Biometric Integration for Token Generation: Imagine your bank token being generated and authenticated using a combination of your unique biological traits. This goes beyond a fingerprint; it could involve advanced facial recognition, iris scans, or even voice patterns, creating a truly personalized and virtually unforgeable digital key tied directly to you. This level of integration aims to make token access as natural as looking at your phone or speaking a command, while significantly upping the security ante.
- Seamless Cross-Platform Authentication Using Tokens: The days of remembering multiple passwords for different banking services could soon be over. Future bank tokens are envisioned to provide a unified authentication layer across various financial platforms and devices. Whether you’re on your laptop, tablet, or smart TV, your bank token could enable a single, secure login experience, streamlining access to all your financial accounts and services without compromising security.
This means logging into your investment platform, making a payment via a third-party app, or accessing your digital wallet could all be secured with the same underlying token technology.
- Decentralized Identity Solutions Leveraging Tokenization: In a world moving towards greater data ownership, bank tokens are poised to play a crucial role in decentralized identity (DID) systems. Instead of relying on central authorities to manage your identity, bank tokens could become the verifiable credentials that prove who you are. This allows individuals to control their personal data, sharing only what’s necessary for specific transactions or services, all secured and managed through their bank token.
Think of it as having a digital passport that you control, with your bank token as the secure gateway to its use.
End of Discussion

As we’ve journeyed through the intricate landscape of bank tokens, it’s clear they are more than just lines of code; they are the silent sentinels of our digital banking lives. From their fundamental definition to their evolving future, bank tokens stand as a testament to innovation in securing our financial interactions. They are the invisible shields that empower us to transact with confidence in an increasingly digital world, promising even more seamless and secure experiences as technology marches forward.
Top FAQs
What makes a bank token different from a password?
While passwords are static credentials you create and remember, bank tokens are typically dynamic and generated for specific, often time-sensitive, actions. This makes them significantly harder to intercept and reuse for fraudulent purposes compared to a static password.
Can a bank token be stolen like a credit card?
Bank tokens are designed to be extremely difficult to steal in the traditional sense. Because they are often temporary and tied to specific transactions or devices, even if intercepted, they usually become invalid very quickly or require additional authentication factors to be useful.
Are bank tokens used for all online banking activities?
Not necessarily for every single activity. Banks often implement tokens for higher-risk operations, such as large money transfers, adding new payees, or logging into sensitive account areas. Routine activities might still rely on simpler authentication methods.
What happens if my device with a bank token is lost or stolen?
If your device is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact your bank. They can remotely disable any tokens associated with your account or that were generated on that device, and you can then re-establish secure access through their customer support channels.
Do bank tokens require a constant internet connection to work?
Many modern bank tokens, especially those generated via mobile apps, can function offline for a period or utilize secure offline generation mechanisms. However, for validation and transaction confirmation, a connection to the bank’s systems is ultimately required.