A compact, URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between two parties.
Description
JSON Web Token (JWT) is a standard for securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object. It is widely used in the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols to authenticate users and provide access to multiple services with a single login. A JWT is composed of three parts: a header, a payload, and a signature. The header typically consists of the token type and the signing algorithm. The payload contains the claims, which can be user data and metadata about the token. The signature is created by combining the encoded header, encoded payload, and a secret key, ensuring that the token has not been altered. JWTs are commonly used in web applications and APIs, allowing for stateless authentication and enabling developers to implement SSO solutions efficiently. By using JWTs, organizations can enhance security, improve user experience, and streamline the authentication process across different platforms and services.
Examples
- Auth0 uses JWTs to manage user authentication and provide SSO capabilities across different applications.
- Google's OAuth 2.0 authentication process utilizes JWTs to securely transmit user information between applications.
Additional Information
- JWTs are compact and easily transmitted via URLs, making them suitable for mobile and web applications.
- They can include expiration times, allowing for better session management and security control.