Certificate-Based Authentication
Certificate-based authentication is a security mechanism that uses digital certificates to verify the identity of users, devices, or services in a network. It relies on public key infrastructure (PKI) to issue and manage certificates, which contain cryptographic keys and identity information. This method provides strong authentication by ensuring that only entities with valid, trusted certificates can access resources.
Developers should learn and use certificate-based authentication when building secure applications that require high-assurance identity verification, such as in financial systems, healthcare platforms, or IoT device management. It is particularly valuable for scenarios like server-to-server communication, VPN access, and API security, where it reduces reliance on passwords and mitigates risks like phishing or credential theft.