Key Takeaways
According to a report, the MFA market is projected to grow to $40 billion by 2030. AuthTokens are digital credentials used to verify and authorize users as they interact with web services and applications. By streamlining secure access to resources, they play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring that only authenticated users can perform certain actions.
What is AuthToken?
An AuthToken is a small piece of data generated after a user log into a system. It acts as a digital key that provides access to an application or system without needing to re-enter credentials, such as a username and password, every time the user makes a request. Once issued, the token can be used to authenticate subsequent requests, verifying the user’s identity and permissions.
AuthToken with Message Central
AuthToken is a component in Message Central’s APIs which caters to its OTP SMS verification product, Verify Now.
AuthToken provides a secure and efficient way to authenticate users for web and mobile applications. These tokens are added in headers, and they ensure that only verified users can access sensitive data while maintaining top-notch security. With Message Central, you can generate and manage AuthTokens seamlessly, enabling faster, more secure user interactions. These tokens use distinct APIs, and the headers are unique for every customer to ensure enhanced security. The AuthToken is required for using Message Central’s API services to ensure high level security.
There are two ways to get AuthToken with Message Central
- Dashboard Token
To get a token on the dashboard, you can
- Go to your Message Central’s dashboard.
- Click on ‘Getting Started’ on the bottom left of your dashboard.
- Now go to ‘Try with code’ section to get your unique AuthToken.
- Generate Token API
To generate your AuthToken, you can
- Call the generate token API from Verify Now’s API documentation.
- Pass the parameters like- your customer ID, country code, email, scope and key (your Message Central login password in Base-64 encryption).
- Your AuthToken will be generated.
Best Practices for Using AuthTokens
To keep AuthTokens safe and effective, follow these key tips(NumberedList)
- Use HTTPS
Always send tokens over secure connections. Sending them over HTTP can let attackers steal them.
- Store Tokens Securely
Keep tokens in a secure place, like an encrypted cookie or local storage. Storing them in plain text can expose them to attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS).
- Token Expiration
Set expiration times for tokens and refresh them regularly. Shorter token lifetimes reduce the risk if they’re stolen.
- Limit Token Scope
Control what a token can be used for. Limiting access to certain parts of an app minimizes damage if a token is stolen.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security with MFA when creating or using tokens.
- Revoke Tokens When Needed
If a token is compromised or invalid, make sure you can revoke it. OAuth, for example, lets you cancel access tokens.
Why Are AuthTokens Important?
AuthTokens have become essential in modern application architecture for several reasons
1. Security
One of the main benefits of using AuthTokens is better security. Unlike traditional methods where your login details are sent with every request, AuthTokens keep sensitive information like passwords from being sent multiple times, which lowers the risk of attacks. Additionally, tokens can come with extra security features like expiration times, limiting what they can be used for and adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) for even more protection.
You can read our article about multi-factor authentication for a detailed guide.
2. Stateless Authentication
With tokens like JWT, authentication doesn’t rely on the server keeping track of session data. The token itself carries all the needed information. This makes it easier for apps to grow, as different servers can handle user requests without needing to share session details.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility
AuthTokens make it simple to verify users on different platforms, like mobile, web and desktop apps. This flexibility makes it easier to create apps that work on multiple platforms, allowing secure access with just one login process.
For example: AuthToken in Message Central’s OTP SMS verification APIs are compatible across platforms and both channels including SMS and WhatsApp.
4. Simplified Authorization
AuthTokens allow precise control over what each user can access by using role-based permissions inside the token. This means users can get different access to parts of an application depending on their roles.
