What happens if a PIN is not correctly entered within a specified time limit?

When a PIN is not correctly entered within the specified time limit, the token gets permanently locked. This security measure is in place to protect sensitive information and ensure that unauthorized users cannot access the token. Locking the token after several incorrect attempts prevents potential attacks where someone might try to guess the PIN.

The design of this security protocol ensures that the integrity and confidentiality of the cryptographic material held on the token remain intact. If a user's PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times, the system recognizes this as a potentially malicious attempt and triggers the locking mechanism, requiring the user to take further steps to regain access, such as contacting a Trusted Agent or support personnel to unlock their token.

This approach underscores the importance of using strong authentication methods and the need for users to remember their credentials securely. Other options provide less stringent responses to incorrect entries and do not align with the security standards typically upheld by a PKI environment.