Local Authentication
Local authentication is a security mechanism where user credentials (such as usernames and passwords) are verified directly on the user's device or within the application's local environment, without relying on external servers or third-party services. It typically involves storing and comparing credentials locally, often using hashing and salting techniques to protect sensitive data. This approach is commonly used in offline applications, single-user systems, or scenarios where network connectivity is limited or unnecessary.
Developers should implement local authentication when building applications that need to operate offline, such as desktop software, mobile apps with limited connectivity, or embedded systems. It's also suitable for single-user applications where centralized user management is not required, as it reduces complexity and eliminates dependency on external authentication servers. However, it's less secure for multi-user or networked applications compared to server-based authentication methods.