User authentication and authorization are essential for ensuring the security of web applications. Here is a detailed explanation of how these processes are typically handled:
User Authentication:
- Encrypting passwords: Storing passwords securely using hashing algorithms like bcrypt or scrypt.
- Secure protocols: Using HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between the client and server.
- Multi-factor authentication: Implementing additional layers of protection such as SMS codes or biometric scans.
User Authorization:
- Role-based access control: Assigning roles (admin, user, guest) to users and defining permissions for each role.
- Token-based authentication: Issuing tokens (JWTs) to authenticated users to access protected resources.
- Session management: Keeping track of user sessions and ensuring they expire after a certain period of inactivity.