Node.js is a JavaScript framework that helps developers to develop scalable and quick web applications. It allows the developer to create applications for both front and back end. The node.js framework can develop different types of real-time applications, web applications, other API servers, etc. From a web application security point of view, authentication and authorization are vital in Node js applications. Both help to safeguard data, control access, enhance security, ensure compliance with regulations, and also help to provide a seamless user experience.
What is Authentication and Authorization?
Authentication and Authorization in Node js are the processes that secure systems and information. Both of them are essential for building secure and reliable web applications. This article has mentioned techniques and methods of authentication and Authorization in Node js. Let’s start with Authentication.
Authentication
Authentication is validating the user’s identity before giving them access or control of the system. We can use various authentication techniques in node.js, but it relies on the requirement of the application.
Techniques of Authentication
There are different techniques by which we can authenticate users in node.js. The following are those techniques:
- Password Authentication
Password authentication is one of the most used methods where users provide their login credentials. In this method, the user has to provide a password associated with the username; if the password matches the username saved in the system’s database, then the user will be authenticated.
- OTP Authentication
It is one of the methods of authentication and authorization in Node js commonly used by organizations for security purposes. This method sends a one-time password or a link to the user’s registered email id or mobile number. If the one-time password and username match, the user will be authenticated.
- Social Authentication
Authentication with social media is also one of the popular approaches to authenticating the user in the authentication and authorization in Node js process. In this method, the user will be allowed to sign in with the assistance of their social media accounts of different domains. So the social media platforms will be integrated into the system to help the user log in with this method.
- 2FA/MFA
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a method in which the user has to verify twice to authenticate themselves and sign in to the system. In this method, there will be an additional level of security to help secure more. If you are willing to secure your website with two-factor authentication, hire Node js developer; they will help you add a layer of security.
Authorization:
Authorization is the process in which authenticated users are given the right to access the system’s resources. The organization can give full or partial rights to the individual as per their needs. The capability of the user to access the system depends on the approval of the respected authority.
Methods of Authorization in node.js
There are mainly two methods of authorization in node.js, and they are role-based control and attribute-based control. Now we are going to discuss both role-based and attribute-based control in detail.
- Role Based Control
It is a method in authentication and authorization in Node js, where users are assigned responsibilities, and depending on the responsibilities, access to the system is provided to them. So as per this approach, all the employees or the users will not have access to the whole system. For example, The admins will have full access to the system while the guest user will have limited access.
- Attribute-Based Control
It is a security model that will grant or deny access to users depending on their attributes rather than what they do. It is a much more flexible approach compared to the role-based control method. As said earlier, this method gives access to the base of attributes called tags. For example, if an employee obtains a promotion from marketing to the board of directors, his access will be updated based on changes in business attributes.
Types of Authentication in Node.js
Now we will discuss different types of authentication we can use in node.js. They are as follows.
- Session Based Authentication
It is a method of authenticating users through sessions in authentication and authorization in Node js. In this method, all the users’ information, like their unique ID, time of login and logout, etc., is stored in the database after the users log in. It is called sessions. The ID of the session will be stored on the cookie of the browser. The cookie will be provided to the server when the user logs in.
Later the server will compare the session ID with the information stored on the server earlier. This will allow the server to verify the identity.
- Token-Based Authentication
Token-based authentication is a kind of method where the token is used to authenticate the identity user. If the user logs in with adequate credentials, a token is generated in this method which is sent back to the client’s browser. Every time the client logs in, the user conveys a request to the server, and the previously stored token is sent back to the server, which is examined by middleware, and after that, the resources are returned.
- Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a procedure of authentication and authorization in Node js where the conventional method will not be used for login. Under this method, alternative methods will be used for logging in rather than depending on passwords for verification purposes. With the adoption of this approach, the security and user experience will be improved, and risks associated with the passwords will be decreased.
Conclusion:
This article comprehensively discusses different techniques and methods of authentication and authorization in Node js. They both are crucial for developing secure and reliable web applications in Node js. If you want to integrate authentication and authorization in Node js, then employ Node.js development services, providing organization that will help you secure your web applications.
Author Bio:
Chandresh Patel is a CEO, Agile coach, and founder of Bacancy Technology. His truly entrepreneurial spirit, skillful expertise, and extensive knowledge in Agile software development services have helped the organization to achieve new heights of success. Chandresh is fronting the organization into global markets in a systematic, innovative, and collaborative way to fulfill custom software development needs and provide optimum quality.
