Authentication and Authorization in Web
Development
1. Introduction to Authentication and Authorization
Authentication and Authorization are two core components of security in web
development. They ensure that only legitimate users have access to the resources
of a web application and that they are allowed to perform specific actions based
on their permissions.
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user. It confirms
who the user is.
Authorization: The process of determining what actions or resources a user
is allowed to access. It checks what the user can do.
2. Authentication Process
Authentication typically involves verifying credentials such as a username and
password. Once the credentials are verified, the user is granted access to the
system.
Steps in Authentication:
1. User Login: The user submits their credentials (username/password) via a
login form.
2. Credential Verification: The system checks if the provided credentials
match the stored ones in the database.
3. Session Creation: Once authenticated, the system creates a session or
token to track the user's activity.
4. Access Granted: If authentication is successful, the user is granted access to
the application.
, Common Authentication Methods:
Username and Password: The most basic form of authentication.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by
requiring a second form of identification, like a one-time passcode sent to
the user’s phone.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows users to authenticate once and gain access to
multiple systems (e.g., Google SSO for web apps).
OAuth: A framework for accessing third-party services (e.g., logging in with
Google, Facebook).
3. Authorization Process
Authorization occurs after authentication and determines what the authenticated
user is allowed to do.
Steps in Authorization:
1. Identify Roles: The application defines different user roles (e.g., admin,
user, guest).
2. Assign Permissions: Each role has specific permissions to access certain
resources or perform actions.
3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Based on the user’s role, the system
allows or denies access to specific resources or actions.
Authorization Models:
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access is granted based on the user's
role in the system.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Access is determined by attributes
of the user, environment, or resource.
Access Control Lists (ACLs): Defines permissions for each resource and
user.
Development
1. Introduction to Authentication and Authorization
Authentication and Authorization are two core components of security in web
development. They ensure that only legitimate users have access to the resources
of a web application and that they are allowed to perform specific actions based
on their permissions.
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user. It confirms
who the user is.
Authorization: The process of determining what actions or resources a user
is allowed to access. It checks what the user can do.
2. Authentication Process
Authentication typically involves verifying credentials such as a username and
password. Once the credentials are verified, the user is granted access to the
system.
Steps in Authentication:
1. User Login: The user submits their credentials (username/password) via a
login form.
2. Credential Verification: The system checks if the provided credentials
match the stored ones in the database.
3. Session Creation: Once authenticated, the system creates a session or
token to track the user's activity.
4. Access Granted: If authentication is successful, the user is granted access to
the application.
, Common Authentication Methods:
Username and Password: The most basic form of authentication.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by
requiring a second form of identification, like a one-time passcode sent to
the user’s phone.
Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows users to authenticate once and gain access to
multiple systems (e.g., Google SSO for web apps).
OAuth: A framework for accessing third-party services (e.g., logging in with
Google, Facebook).
3. Authorization Process
Authorization occurs after authentication and determines what the authenticated
user is allowed to do.
Steps in Authorization:
1. Identify Roles: The application defines different user roles (e.g., admin,
user, guest).
2. Assign Permissions: Each role has specific permissions to access certain
resources or perform actions.
3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Based on the user’s role, the system
allows or denies access to specific resources or actions.
Authorization Models:
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access is granted based on the user's
role in the system.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Access is determined by attributes
of the user, environment, or resource.
Access Control Lists (ACLs): Defines permissions for each resource and
user.
