Stop using JSON Web Tokens for user authentication. Use classic sessions instead.
The article discusses the issues related to using JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication in web applications. The author points out that despite their popularity, JWTs have some significant shortcomings that can lead to security threats. The main concerns revolve around the storage and transmission of tokens, which can be easily intercepted by third parties. In terms of security, the author suggests that a better solution is stateful sessions. These sessions offer greater control over access and easier user management in the event of logout. This eliminates the need to send tokens with every request, which reduces the risk of leaking them.
The article highlights the advantages of using stateful sessions over JWT. Sessions can be more easily managed since they reside on the server side, meaning that it is the server that decides who is logged in, not the client. In extreme cases, session data can also be easily invalidated on the server side, which is more difficult to achieve with constructed JWTs that expire based on time. The author notes that many modern applications and frameworks support stateful sessions, making them more practical for everyday use.
Some developers may fear that moving away from JWTs in favor of stateful sessions will add complexity to application architecture. The article reassures that many tools and libraries support the implementation of sessions, meaning developers don’t have to build solutions from scratch. Additionally, storing sessions in server memory is efficient and allows for easy application scaling. This means that, unlike JWTs, which can cause scalability issues, stateful sessions can better adapt to increasing loads.
In conclusion, the author encourages readers to rethink their authentication processes in their applications. Traditional JWTs, despite their advantages, are becoming insufficient in light of modern security requirements. Choosing stateful sessions may contribute to heightened security, user management, and ultimately make life easier for developers.
The offer of stateful sessions as a method of authentication is clearly beneficial and well-considered. Every developer involved in web application creation should take into account the advantages of this approach compared to JWT. By following the guidance contained in the article, one can create safer and more scalable applications that better meet the modern needs of the market.