Exploring the Top 6 Methods for Web Authentication

12:34 18 October 2023

Ensuring user authentication is the initial barrier to determining access to digital resources in web development. This guide offers an in-depth look into the various techniques employed for authenticating users within a web service. Before delving into these methods, it's crucial to differentiate between authentication, which asks, "Who are you?" and authorization, which inquires, "What can you do?" This foundational understanding underpins the subsequent discussion on the techniques that safeguard digital spaces. 

In a web service, there are multiple ways to authenticate users. Let's start by distinguishing between these two vital terms:

• Authentication: Who are you?

• Authorization: What can you do?

Authentication logically precedes authorization. Users must be validated before being granted access to resources based on their authorization level. The most prevalent method for authenticating a user is by amalgamating a username and password. Once authenticated, distinct roles, such as admin or moderator, are assigned, conferring special privileges within the system.

Exploring the Top 6 Methods for Web Authentication

Now, let's delve into the various approaches to authenticate a user.

HTTP Basic Authentication

Basic authentication, integrated into the HTTP protocol, represents the simplest form of authentication. With each request, this method sends login credentials in the request headers: "Authorization: Basic dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQ=" your-website.com Usernames and passwords are not encrypted. Instead, the username and password are combined using a colon (:) symbol to create a single string: username:password. This string is then encoded using base64.

This stateless method means the client must provide the credentials with every request. It is suitable for API calls and straightforward authentication workflows that do not require persistent sessions.

HTTP Digest Authentication

HTTP Digest Authentication (or Digest Access Authentication) represents a more secure form of HTTP Basic Auth. The main difference is that the password is sent in MD5 hashed form rather than plain text, making it more secure than Basic Auth.

Session-based Authentication

The user's state is stored on the server with session-based authentication (also known as session cookie or cookie-based authentication). It does not require the user to provide a username or password with each request. Instead, after logging in, the server validates the credentials. If valid, it generates a session, stores it in a session store, and then sends the session ID back to the browser. The browser stores the session ID as a cookie, which is sent with every subsequent request to the server.

Session-based authentication is stateful. Each time a client requests the server, the server must locate the session in memory to associate the session ID with the corresponding user.

Token-Based Authentication

This method uses tokens to authenticate users instead of cookies. The user authenticates using valid credentials, and the server returns a signed token. The most commonly used token is a JSON Web Token (JWT), which consists of three parts:

• Header (includes the token type and the hashing algorithm used)

• Payload (consists of the claims, which are statements about the subject)

• Signature (used to verify that the message wasn't changed along the way)

All three parts are base64 encoded, concatenated using a period (.) and hashed. While encoded, anyone can decode and read the message, but only authenticated users can produce valid signed tokens. The token is authenticated using the Signature, signed with a private key.

Tokens need not be saved on the server side; they can be validated using their Signature. Recently, token adoption has increased due to the rise of RESTful APIs and Single Page Applications (SPAs).

One Time Passwords

One-time passwords (OTPs) are commonly used for authentication confirmation. OTPs are randomly generated codes that can be used to verify if the user is who they claim to be. They are often used after verifying user credentials, especially for two-factor authentication apps. A trusted system, such as a verified email or mobile number, must be in place to use OTP. Modern OTPs are stateless and can be verified using multiple methods. While there are several OTPs, Time-based OTPs (TOTPs) are arguably the most common type. Once generated, they expire after some time. Due to the added layer of security, OTPs are recommended for apps that handle susceptible data, such as online banking and other financial services. This approach aligns seamlessly with one of the concepts of digital transformation, which emphasizes adopting modern security measures in the evolving software development landscape.

OAuth and OpenID

OAuth/OAuth2 and OpenID are popular forms of authorization and authentication, respectively. They are used to implement social login, a form of single sign-on (SSO) utilizing existing information from a social networking service, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Google, to sign in to a third-party website instead of creating a new login account specifically for that website. This type of authentication and authorization is suitable when you require highly-secure authentication. Providers like these have ample resources to invest in robust authentication systems, which can ultimately enhance the security of your application. This method is often coupled with session-based authentication.

The Conclusion

In navigating the intricacies of user authentication, we've explored a range of methodologies, each with unique strengths and applications. From the straightforward HTTP Basic Authentication to the robust Token-Based Authentication, each approach provides a toolkit for securing digital interactions. While One-Time Passwords offer an additional layer of security, OAuth and OpenID extend their scope towards seamless social logins. With this comprehensive understanding, we equip ourselves to make informed choices in safeguarding digital identities, acknowledging that authentication remains a cornerstone of digital security in the evolving landscape of technology.