How do you manage user authentication on your website?

1 Password-based authentication

The most basic and widely used form of user authentication is password-based authentication, where users provide a username and a password to log in to your website. This method requires you to store and compare the passwords securely, using encryption and hashing techniques, to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. You also need to implement password policies, such as minimum length, complexity, and expiration, to enforce strong and secure passwords. Additionally, you can use password recovery and reset features, such as email verification or security questions, to help users who forget their passwords.

3 Multi-factor authentication

A more advanced and secure method of user authentication is multi-factor authentication, where users provide more than one factor to prove their identity. The factors can be something they know (such as a password or a PIN), something they have (such as a phone or a token), or something they are (such as a fingerprint or a face). This method adds an extra layer of protection against phishing, brute force, or social engineering attacks, as it requires the attacker to compromise more than one factor. You can use various tools and services, such as Authy, Duo, or Google Authenticator, to implement multi-factor authentication on your website.

4 Single sign-on authentication

A convenient and user-friendly method of user authentication is single sign-on authentication, where users can log in to your website using their existing accounts from other websites or platforms. For example, you can allow users to log in with their Google, Facebook, or Twitter accounts, without requiring them to create a new account or password for your website. This method simplifies the login process, reduces the password fatigue, and increases the user retention and engagement. You can use standard protocols and frameworks, such as SAML, OpenID, or OAuth, to enable single sign-on authentication on your website.

6 Hybrid authentication

A flexible and customizable method of user authentication is hybrid authentication, where you can combine two or more of the above methods to suit your website's needs and goals. For example, you can use password-based authentication as the primary method, and then add token-based or multi-factor authentication as the secondary method, to enhance the security and performance of your website. You can also use single sign-on or biometric authentication as the alternative or optional method, to improve the user experience and satisfaction of your website. You can use various libraries and frameworks, such as Passport, Firebase, or Auth0, to implement hybrid authentication on your website.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?