> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oten.gitbook.io/openplatform/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oten.gitbook.io/openplatform/about-us/user-guide/oten-developer/4.-config-resource-and-security-info/authentication.md).

# Security Best Practices

## Transport Security

### HTTPS Requirements

* **Production:** Must use `https://` for all redirect URIs
* **Development:** Can use `http://localhost` only
* Use TLS 1.2 or higher

***

## CSRF Protection

### State Parameter

The `state` parameter prevents CSRF attacks.

**Implementation:**

1. Generate random state value
2. Store in session
3. Include in authorization URL
4. Validate on callback

**Requirements:**

* Minimum 128 bits entropy
* Cryptographically random
* Single-use
* Time-limited (5-10 minutes)

***

## PKCE

### When Required

PKCE is **mandatory** for:

* Single Page Applications (SPAs)
* Mobile applications
* Any public client

### How it Works

1. Generate code verifier (43-128 random characters)
2. Create code challenge (SHA-256 hash of verifier)
3. Send challenge with authorization request
4. Send verifier with token exchange

***

## Token Security

### Storage

| Platform | Recommended                | ❌ Avoid                     |
| -------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Web App  | Server-side session        | Browser localStorage        |
| SPA      | Memory only                | localStorage/sessionStorage |
| iOS      | Keychain                   | UserDefaults                |
| Android  | EncryptedSharedPreferences | SharedPreferences           |

### Best Practices

* Use short-lived access tokens (15-60 min)
* Implement refresh token rotation
* Always use HTTPS
* Include tokens in `Authorization` header
* Never log tokens

***

## Client Secret Management

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Never:**

* Commit to version control
* Embed in client-side code
* Log in application logs
* Share via email/chat
* Store in plain text
  {% endhint %}

### Secure Storage

| Environment | Solution                                       |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Development | Environment variables (.env)                   |
| Production  | Secret management (Vault, AWS Secrets Manager) |

### Rotation Policy

* Regular: Every 90 days
* Incident: Immediately upon compromise
* Automated: Use secret rotation tools

***

## Monitoring

### Security Events to Monitor

* Failed authentication attempts
* Unusual token usage patterns
* Scope escalation attempts
* Geographic anomalies
* Rapid token refresh

### Incident Response

1. Detect and assess
2. Revoke compromised credentials
3. Investigate logs
4. Rotate secrets
5. Notify affected users
6. Document incident

***

## Compliance

### Data Protection

* Implement data minimization
* Provide clear privacy policies
* Enable user consent management
* Support data deletion requests
* Maintain audit logs

### Regulations

* **GDPR** (EU) - Data protection
* **CCPA** (California) - Consumer privacy
* **HIPAA** (Healthcare) - Health information
* **PCI DSS** (Payment) - Card data security

***

## Resources

### External Guidelines

* [OAuth 2.0 Security Best Practices](https://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-ietf-oauth-security-topics)
* [OWASP OAuth Cheat Sheet](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/OAuth2_Cheat_Sheet.html)

### Tools

* [jwt.io](https://jwt.io) - Decode JWT tokens
* [OWASP ZAP](https://www.zaproxy.org/) - Security scanner

***