Authentication
Authentication is a core security mechanism that verifies the identity of users, applications, or devices before granting access to a system. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring a seamless user experience. It involves various methods to confirm the identity of users or devices attempting to gain access to a system. Modern authentication methods have evolved beyond traditional email or password combinations to include more secure and user-friendly approaches.
This document comprehensively overviews authentication types and the advanced features LoginRadius supports.
Authentication Type
LoginRadius supports a diverse range of authentication methods, categorized as follows.
Let's explore each category in detail.
Standard Login
LoginRadius Standard Login feature offers a secure and flexible authentication method, allowing users to log in using their email, username, phone number, or password while enabling businesses to customize the experience. Let's explore each authentication type available under Standard Login.
- Email Authentication
- Phone Authentication
- Username Authentication
Email-based authentication allows users to register and log in using an email address and password. This method is widely adopted in corporate and marketing-driven applications where communication through email is essential.
Use Case: Ideal for businesses that rely on email-based communication for notifications, marketing, and updates. Commonly used in corporate sectors with domain-specific email addresses.
Key Highlights:
- Users enter their email and password to log in.
- Provides security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) options.
- Works well for applications requiring strong user identity verification.
To understand the essentials of setting up and integrating Email Authentication, refer to the document here.
Phone authentication allows users to log in using their mobile phone number, with an OTP sent via SMS.
Use Case: Best suited for mobile-first applications where users may not have or prefer not to use email, such as ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-commerce services.
Key Highlights:
- Users enter their phone numbers and password or receive an OTP for authentication.
- Reduces reliance on email-based logins.
- Ensures seamless authentication for users without an email address.
To understand the essentials of setting up and integrating Phone Login, refer to the document here.
Username Authentication is the process of registering for and accessing an account using a username. While you can request an email address during registration, customers log in using their unique username and password.
Use Case: It is particularly useful in applications where identifying customers by their usernames rather than their real names or other identities is required, such as gaming, social media, or community-based applications.
Key Highlights:
- Users register and log in using a unique username and password.
- Provides an alternative authentication method when email or phone login is not preferred.
- Allows businesses to customize username formats.
Please refer to the document here for a comprehensive guide on setting up and integrating Username Login.
Passwordless
Passwordless authentication offers a seamless and secure experience, allowing users to log in without a traditional password. Instead, users can authenticate using one-time passcodes (OTP) via email, SMS, or magic links. This approach enhances security, reduces the risk of password-related breaches, and improves user convenience. Let's explore each feature that falls under the Passwordless category.
- Passwordless Login
- One Touch Login
- Passkey Authentication
- Smart Login
- Cross-Device/QR
The Passwordless Login feature enables registered customers to access their accounts without entering a password. Instead, a one-time link or OTP is sent to their registered email or phone number. Once verified, the customer is securely logged in.
Use Case: Reduces password fatigue while improving security. Common in financial services, SaaS applications, and enterprise solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Users receive an OTP or a magic link via email or SMS.
- Once verified, they are securely logged in.
- Enhances user convenience by eliminating password management.
For more information on setting up and implementing a Passwordless Login, refer to the documentation here.
One Touch Login allows your customers to log in without the obligation to register first and remember the password. A link or OTP is sent to their email address or phone number, respectively, and once the link or OTP is verified, the customer will be logged into the account.
Use Case: While this authentication workflow has various use cases, it is most common in smartphone apps.
Key Highlights:
- Reducing friction in the login process significantly improves the overall user experience.
- Offers seamless access by allowing users to log in instantly without entering passwords.
For more information on setting up and implementing One-Touch Login, refer to the documentation here.
Passkey authentication leverages biometrics or hardware security keys to provide secure, password-free authentication.
Use Case: Suitable for high-security applications such as banking, healthcare, and enterprise access management.
- Users authenticate via device-based biometrics or security keys.
- Eliminates phishing attacks associated with passwords.
- Provides a seamless and highly secure login experience.
For more information on setting up and implementing One-Touch Login, refer to the documentation here.
The Smart Login feature enables customers to seamlessly access devices that may not support standard web or mobile authentication.
This password-free login method allows authentication to be delegated to another device, making it ideal for use in smartphone apps, smart TV apps, and gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Key Highlights:
- Users authenticate via an external trusted device.
- Provides seamless login experiences across different platforms.
- Reduces reliance on passwords for smart devices.
For more information on setting up and implementing Smart Login, refer to the documentation here.
Cross-device Single Sign-On (SSO) enables seamless authentication across different devices, such as mobile and web applications. With this feature, users already logged in on a mobile device can access a web application without needing to re-enter their credentials.
Use Case: Ideal for multi-device environments such as SaaS applications, streaming services, and productivity tools.
- Users already logged in on one device can authenticate on another without re-entering credentials.
- Utilizes QR codes for a seamless authentication experience.
- Reduces login friction for users switching devices.
For more information on setting up and implementing Cross-Device/QR, refer to the documentation here.
BYOI Identity Providers
Bring Your Own Identity (BYOI) allows users to authenticate using their existing credentials from third-party identity providers, enhancing convenience and security. By integrating BYOI, businesses can streamline the login process, reduce password fatigue, and improve user experience while maintaining strong authentication standards. This approach supports various identity providers, including social platforms, ensuring flexibility for both users and organizations.
- Social Login
- Custom IDP
Social Login enables users to log in using their social media accounts, such as Facebook, Google, or Twitter.
Use Case: Best suited for applications looking to improve user onboarding speed and reduce friction in the registration process.
Key Highlights
- Users authenticate using their social media credentials.
- Eliminates the need for form-based registrations.
- Enhances user engagement and reduces abandonment rates.
Refer to the documentation here for more details on the Social Login feature.
Custom Identity Providers (IDPs) allow businesses to integrate their own authentication systems, providing greater flexibility and control over user identity management. This approach enables seamless authentication by connecting with internal directories, proprietary authentication mechanisms, or third-party federated systems. Organizations can ensure a tailored login experience by implementing a Custom IDP while maintaining security, compliance, and compatibility with their existing infrastructure.
Use Case: Ideal for enterprises requiring custom authentication workflows, such as internal directories, legacy systems, or federated identity providers.
Key Highlights
- Businesses can integrate their authentication mechanisms.
- Supports OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SAML-based authentication.
- Ensures seamless authentication across various enterprise applications.
For details on supported authentication and authorization protocols, the integration process, and the necessary configurations to set up Custom IDPs, refer to the document here.
Conclusion
LoginRadius offers flexible, secure, and developer-friendly authentication solutions that cater to diverse use cases. Whether it's traditional login, passwordless authentication, or third-party identity providers, our authentication methods are designed to enhance security while providing a seamless user experience.