Different authentication methods suit different use cases. Here's how to choose and implement the right one.
API Keys#
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Pros:
✓ Simple to implement
✓ Easy to revoke
✓ Good for server-side use
Cons:
✗ No expiration built-in
✗ Easy to leak in logs/URLs
✗ No user context
Bearer Tokens (JWT)#
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Pros:
✓ Stateless (scalable)
✓ Contains user info
✓ Works across services
Cons:
✗ Can't revoke individual tokens
✗ Token size can grow
✗ Must handle expiration
OAuth 2.0#
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Pros:
✓ Delegated authentication
✓ No password handling
✓ Standardized flow
Cons:
✗ Complex implementation
✗ Depends on external providers
✗ Token management required
Session-Based Auth#
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Pros:
✓ Simple to revoke
✓ Secure with httpOnly cookies
✓ Server controls state
Cons:
✗ Requires session storage
✗ Not ideal for mobile apps
✗ Cross-origin complexity
Comparison Table#
| Method | Stateless | Mobile | Multi-service | Complexity |
|-------------|-----------|--------|---------------|------------|
| API Keys | Yes | Yes | Yes | Low |
| JWT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| OAuth 2.0 | Depends | Yes | Yes | High |
| Sessions | No | Poor | Poor | Low |
Security Best Practices#
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Choosing the Right Method#
Use API Keys when:
✓ Server-to-server communication
✓ Simple integration needed
✓ No user context required
Use JWT when:
✓ Stateless architecture
✓ Multiple services/microservices
✓ Mobile app support needed
Use OAuth when:
✓ Third-party integration
✓ Social login required
✓ Delegating authentication
Use Sessions when:
✓ Traditional web app
✓ Same-origin requests
✓ Simple revocation needed
Best Practices#
Security:
✓ Always use HTTPS
✓ Implement rate limiting
✓ Hash stored credentials
✓ Use secure cookie settings
Tokens:
✓ Short access token expiry
✓ Rotate refresh tokens
✓ Implement revocation
✓ Validate on each request
Storage:
✓ Never store plain secrets
✓ Use secure session storage
✓ Encrypt sensitive data
✓ Audit access logs
Conclusion#
Choose authentication based on your architecture and security needs. API keys work for simple server integrations, JWTs for stateless APIs, OAuth for third-party auth, and sessions for traditional web apps. Always prioritize security with HTTPS, rate limiting, and proper token management.