Authentication & Authorization Guide | OAuth, JWT & Security

Authentication verifies a user's identity, confirming who they are. Authorization then determines what actions that authenticated user is permitted to perform within the system.

You should always hash passwords using strong algorithms like bcrypt or argon2, which make it computationally expensive for attackers to reverse-engineer them. Never store passwords in plain text.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a one-time code from an authenticator app. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.

Monitoring frequency depends on the specific aspect and time of year. During active seasons, weekly monitoring is often appropriate; during critical periods, more frequent monitoring may be needed. Off-season monitoring should still be conducted regularly.

Common mistakes include insufficient monitoring, ignoring early warning signs, applying management practices without understanding their effects, and failing to adapt to changing conditions. Over-management can be as problematic as under-management.