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When building integrations, it's crucial to ensure only the right people can access their data. This process is called authentication. It helps keep user information safe and private.
Here are seven common ways to authenticate.
1. API key
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An API key is like a secret password. Each user or app gets its own unique key. This key must be included in every request to the API. It's a simple way to control access.
It’s ideal for simpler applications or services where you need to control access but don't require sophisticated user-level security. APIs are common for web services, data feeds, and cloud services.
- Pros
- Easy to implement and use.
- Works well for server-to-server communication.
- Cons
- Less secure since keys can be easily exposed or shared.
- If compromised, the key needs to be regenerated and redistributed
- Examples
- Google Maps API: Developers use API keys to authenticate requests for Google Maps services, allowing them to embed Google Maps on webpages and retrieve location data.
- SendGrid: An email delivery service that uses API keys to authenticate requests for sending emails programmatically via its API.
2. OAuth
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OAuth lets users give limited access to their data without sharing their passwords. It's like giving a valet key to an app. OAuth 2.0 is the most used version of OAuth.
OAuth is best for applications that need to access user data from other services without getting the user's password.
It is used extensively in social login systems and in scenarios where you need to provide third-party apps limited access to your service.
- Pros
- Highly flexible and secure, supporting different authorization flows for various use cases.
- Enables fine-grained access control.
- Cons
- Can be more complex than API keys to implement.
- Requires a deeper understanding of security concepts and the OAuth framework.
- Examples
3. Basic auth
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Basic auth is like a traditional username and password check. It's straightforward but not the most secure.
It is mostly used for internal or simple web services where ease of implementation is key, and the data being accessed is not highly sensitive.
- Pros
- Straightforward to implement.
- Requires only a username and password.
- Cons
- Not very secure, especially if not used over HTTPS.
- Credentials can be easily intercepted.
- Not recommended for public or sensitive applications.
- Examples
- This approach is largely obsolete in public services; for instance, Microsoft discontinued its use in Exchange Online last August. But you might still encounter it in older or proprietary software applications.
4. JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
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JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) are secure tokens used to share information safely. Servers give out JWTs after they check who you are. These tokens pack user info in a small and safe way.
JWTs are great for websites that update without reloading like (SPAs) and mobile apps.
- Pros
- JWTs carry all the info needed for checking in. They work well even when you're talking to different web services and can handle lots of users.
- Cons
- Keeping JWTs on devices or browsers can be risky.
- You also have to be careful about when they expire and need to be refreshed to keep things secure.
- Examples:
- Auth0: Uses JWTs for securing API calls and managing user sessions.
- Firebase Authentication: Uses JWTs for managing user sessions and identifying users across various Firebase services.
And that’s it! These are seven popular ways to authenticate when connecting different software systems. Each has its use, depending on your needs and the security required.
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