Windows logon using smart cards and tokens significantly improves the login security for domain user accounts. This post provides an overview of smart card logon and the hardware options available from Microcosm.
GIDS sets out the functionality of a physical identity device that can be used for authentication, such as a smart card or USB token.
PKCS#11 defines an API to communicate with cryptographic security tokens such as smart cards, USB keys and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs). Also known as "Cryptoki", PKCS#11 is part of the Public Key Cryptography Standards.