Authentication fundamentals: Native client applications- Part 1 | Microsoft Entra ID

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts of authentication for native client applications, as explained by Stuart Kwan from Microsoft Entra ID. Understanding these concepts is crucial for developers looking to implement secure authentication mechanisms in their applications.

Step 1: Understand Authentication Fundamentals

• Definition of Authentication: Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or application.
• Importance of Authentication: It ensures that only authorized users can access certain resources or perform specific actions within an application.
• Types of Authentication:
  • User Authentication: Verifying a user's identity using credentials such as passwords, biometrics, or two-factor authentication.
  • Application Authentication: Ensuring that the application itself is recognized and trusted by the identity provider.

Step 2: Explore Native Client Applications

• Understanding Native Clients: These are applications installed directly on a device, such as desktop applications or mobile apps. They interact directly with APIs and services.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Local Execution: Native applications run locally on the device.
  • Direct API Calls: They communicate directly with backend services, often requiring authentication tokens for secure access.

Step 3: Familiarize with OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect

• OAuth 2.0 Overview: This is an authorization framework that allows applications to obtain limited access to user accounts on an HTTP service.
  • Roles in OAuth 2.0:
    • Resource Owner: The user who owns the data.
    • Client: The application requesting access.
    • Authorization Server: The server that issues access tokens.
    • Resource Server: The server hosting the protected resources.
• OpenID Connect: This is an identity layer on top of OAuth 2.0 that allows clients to verify the identity of the user and obtain basic profile information.

Step 4: Implementing Authentication in Native Apps

• Step-by-Step Implementation:
  1. Register your Application: Create an application registration in your identity provider (e.g., Azure AD).
  2. Configure Redirect URIs: Set up redirect URIs where the identity provider will send users after authentication.
  3. Obtain Client ID and Secret: Securely store these credentials in your application, avoiding hardcoding them.
  4. Request Access Tokens: Use the authorization code flow to request tokens for accessing protected resources.
  5. Handle Tokens Securely: Store tokens securely on the device (e.g., using secure storage solutions).
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Avoid hardcoding sensitive information.
  • Ensure tokens are refreshed as needed to maintain access.

Conclusion

Understanding authentication fundamentals for native client applications is essential for building secure applications. Key concepts include the roles of OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, as well as the importance of handling tokens securely. For further learning, consider exploring more on application registration and token management practices.