Authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. It forms the first line of defense against unauthorized access and is a fundamental component of any security strategy.

Authentication Methods

Common authentication methods include:

• Passwords – the most widely used but also the most vulnerable when not managed correctly.
• Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) – combines two or more verification factors, such as something you know, have, or are.
• OAuth / OpenID Connect – delegated authentication using third‑party providers.
• Biometrics – fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice.
• Certificates – X.509 certificates for machine‑to‑machine authentication.

Best Practices

1. Enforce strong password policies (minimum length, complexity, expiration).
2. Implement MFA for all privileged accounts.
3. Store passwords using salted bcrypt/argon2 hashes.
4. Limit login attempts and implement account lockout mechanisms.
5. Use HTTPS exclusively for authentication flows.
6. Regularly audit and rotate credentials.

Implementation Tips

Below is a minimal example of a secure password hash using Node.js and bcrypt:

const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
const saltRounds = 12;

async function hashPassword(plain) {
  const salt = await bcrypt.genSalt(saltRounds);
  return await bcrypt.hash(plain, salt);
}

async function verifyPassword(plain, hash) {
  return await bcrypt.compare(plain, hash);
}

When using JWT for session management, always set short expiration times and rotate signing keys regularly.

FAQ

Is MFA required for all users?

While not mandatory for every user, MFA significantly reduces the risk of credential theft and should be enforced for any accounts with access to sensitive data.

How often should passwords be changed?

Modern guidance recommends only requiring changes when a compromise is suspected. Encourage the use of password managers to generate strong, unique passwords.