Authentication in Node.js: A Survey of Methods and Best Practices for Web Security

Abstract

Authentication plays a pivotal role in web application security, ensuring that only authorized users can access protected resources. With Node.js being a popular choice for modern web development due to its performance and scalability, understanding effective authentication methods within this ecosystem is essential. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of authentication techniques in Node.js, covering traditional methods such as session-based authentication and token-based approaches like JSON Web Tokens (JWT), as well as emerging solutions such as passwordless and biometric authentication. It explores widely used libraries and frameworks, including Passport.js and OAuth2.0, highlighting their applications and limitations. The survey also addresses key challenges such as security vulnerabilities, scalability issues, and the balance between robust security and user experience. Best practices for implementing secure authentication, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and safe credential storage, are examined in detail. By consolidating current methodologies and advancements, this survey aims to equip developers and security professionals with the knowledge needed to build secure and resilient authentication systems in Node.js-based web applications.