Authentication and authorization

Authentication and authorization are two fundamental concepts in web application security. They ensure that users have the right level of access to resources while protecting sensitive data. In this guide, we’ll explore how to implement authentication and authorization in Node.js applications, covering best practices, popular libraries, and strategies for securing your Node.js projects.

Authentication vs. Authorization

Authentication verifies who a user is, while authorization determines what resources a user can access. Both are essential for robust security.

Best Practices

• Use established libraries like Passport.js for authentication.
• Implement JWT (JSON Web Token) for stateless authentication.
• Keep sensitive secrets (like JWT keys) secure and out of your codebase.
• Apply role-based access control for fine-grained authorization.

Popular Libraries

• passport for authentication strategies.
• jsonwebtoken for working with JWTs.
• express-session for session management.

"Never roll your own authentication—use trusted libraries and always follow security best practices."

By following these guidelines, you can protect your Node.js applications from common security threats and ensure safe user access.