Client complaint about security gaps on your website? Don’t worry! This blog covers Authentication and Authorization essentials to help you secure your site with the right controls. Read on to safeguard your platform!
Introduction
All of us have sent and received mail, right? When we first log in to our Gmail accounts, we’re prompted to enter our Username or Email ID and Password to access the interface. This process of requesting credentials is part of “Authentication”. At the website's backend, it checks if the person trying to access the account is indeed the rightful owner.
For many websites, authentication ends with entering the correct credentials. However, Gmail’s authentication is much more robust. It often takes 2-3 extra steps, such as verifying through another registered device, sending a confirmation email or even calling the registered phone number at times. This is a great example of how strong authentication is crucial for websites or applications that handle highly confidential data, like Google.
Once authenticated, you enter the Gmail interface where you can access your dashboard, inboxes, outboxes and many other features. If you’re using the free version of Gmail, your Email ID will look something like this: something@gmail.com. However, if you use the paid version, you can unlock additional features like having your own domain. This is commonly seen in companies or businesses, where official emails of employees look like this: something@company.com.
This ability to access additional features based on your subscription is possible due to “Authorisation” where your level of access is determined by your subscription type.
In this blog, we will uncover all the essential details about Authentication and Authorisation that you should know about.
Authentication
What is Authentication?
Authentication simply means verifying the identity of a user before allowing access to a website, application or any system feature. It’s like having a digital gatekeeper that ensures the person trying to enter is who they claim to be.
Why is Authentication Important?
Authentication is crucial because it protects sensitive information from unauthorized access. Without proper authentication, anyone could gain access to private accounts, confidential data and secure areas of a website or application. For platforms that manage personal data, financial details or any sensitive content, robust authentication mechanisms are essential.
User Pathway till Authentication-
Types of Authentication
Now the user might encounter different types of authentication. The above diagram only showcases Single- Factor Authentication (One step authentication). There are many other types of authentications which are explained below-
Single-Factor Authentication (SFA): The most basic form where only one credential is needed, like a password (as shown in the above diagram).
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Involves two or more verification steps, such as a password, a fingerprint and a security token.
Biometric Authentication: Uses unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition or iris scans to verify identity.
Passwordless Authentication: Relies on other methods like magic links, tokens or biometrics, eliminating the need for traditional passwords.
Authorisation
What is Authorisation?
Authorisation determines what resources or features a user can access after they have been authenticated. It’s like having different levels of access based on your role or subscription type. For instance, while anyone can access a public blog, only certain users might have the permission to edit or delete posts. The authorisation role comes after the Authentication part for the user, as shown in the below chart-
Why is Authorisation Important?
Authorisation is essential because it ensures that users can only access resources or perform actions that they are permitted to. This is particularly important in systems where different users have different roles, such as in corporate environments where employees might have access to certain tools or information based on their job function.
Types of Authorisation
Now authorisation can also be of different types (the above diagram shows a generic pathway, not pertaining to any particular type of authorisation). The authentication types are explained below-
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access is granted based on the user’s role within an organization.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Access is based on attributes like time, location, or user role.
Discretionary Access Control (DAC): The resource owner decides who gets access.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC): Access is determined by the system according to strict rules, often seen in government or military systems.
The Authentication and Authorization Toolkit
Most Popular Languages Used
Let’s talk about Languages first. So there is a wide array of programming languages that can be used for Authentication and Authorisation implementation. However, below are the best programming languages that can be used for this purpose and why-
Python: Python is a versatile language widely used in web development and its simplicity and readability make it a great choice for implementing authentication and authorisation. So if you are a beginner/ learner, Python is the best choice for learning these processes.
JavaScript: JavaScript is the backbone of modern web development, and with Node.js, it extends its capabilities to server-side programming. Node.js is highly efficient for building scalable applications, and its asynchronous nature makes it suitable for handling authentication and authorisation processes, especially in real-time applications.
Java: Java is a robust, enterprise-level language commonly used in large-scale applications. Java’s strong type system and extensive libraries make it ideal for implementing secure authentication and authorisation.
Most Popular Frameworks Used in the Industry
What are the frameworks that these languages use to implement the said processes?
Django ( used in Python): Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It comes with built-in features for handling user authentication, such as login/logout, password management and user roles. Django's powerful admin panel also allows for easy management of user permissions and access levels.
Express (used in JavaScript/ Node.js): Express is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework that provides a robust set of features for web and mobile applications. With Express, you can easily set up middleware to handle authentication and authorisation and integrate tools like JWT or OAuth for secure user management.
Spring Security (used in Java): Spring Security is a powerful and customizable authentication and access-control framework for Java applications. It provides comprehensive security services, including methods for securing URLs, configuring user roles, and protecting against common security threats. It’s widely used in enterprise environments where security is a top priority.
Industry Standard Technologies to Implement Authentication & Authorization
Coming to the Technologies that can be used to implement these processes. A major thing to note here is that while frameworks are connected to specific languages, technologies can be implemented using different languages using their own approaches.
Here is a list of the best technologies available to implement the said processes and why-
OAuth: OAuth is an open standard for token-based authentication and authorisation. It allows third-party applications to access user data without exposing their credentials. For example, when you log into a website using your Google account, OAuth is often the protocol behind the scenes. It’s widely used in scenarios where you need to grant limited access to your resources without sharing your credentials.
JWT (JSON Web Tokens): JWT is a compact, URL-safe means of representing claims between two parties. It’s commonly used for transmitting secure information between clients and servers. In authentication, JWTs are used to verify the identity of a user after they log in, and because they are stateless, they reduce the need for session management on the server side. This makes them ideal for scalable applications.
OpenID Connect: Built on top of OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect is a simple identity layer that allows clients to verify the identity of an end-user based on the authentication performed by an authorisation server. It’s widely used in single sign-on (SSO) systems, where users can log in once and access multiple applications or websites.
Best Practices
Here are some tips to use the best practices while implementation of Authentication and Authorisation-
Use Secure Protocols: Always implement HTTPS to ensure data transmission is encrypted.
Use Strong Password Policies: Enforce the use of complex passwords and encourage regular updates.
Implement 2FA or MFA: Add an extra layer of security beyond just a password for implementing the authentication process.
Regularly Update and Patch: Keep your authentication and authorisation systems up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Limit Login Attempts: Prevent brute-force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts.
By using the best practices, tools, and frameworks for authentication and authorization, you not only protect your application from potential legal liabilities but also uphold the privacy and trust of your users. Failing to implement proper security measures could result in data breaches, legal penalties, and loss of user trust. On the other hand, by prioritizing robust security, you demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your users' personal information, building a reputation for reliability and care that can set your application apart in a competitive market, so avoid it.