Authentication Architecture 2.0

Advanced auth system with AWS Cognito extension for multi-platform support

Description:

Led architecture evolution from basic token authentication to sophisticated Auth 2.0 with cookie-based security. Extended AWS Cognito SDK with CustomCognitoStorage for multi-platform support across web, extension, desktop, and mobile contexts, implementing granular privilege management with zero unauthorized access.

Project Duration:

2022-2023 (Full Stack Engineer at Slid)

Key Technical Achievements:

  • Architecture Evolution: Migration from basic tokens to sophisticated Auth 2.0
  • AWS Cognito Extension: Custom SDK extension for multi-platform support
  • Cross-Platform Unity: Unified auth across web, extension, desktop, and mobile
  • Security Excellence: Cookie-based security with HTTP-only flags
  • Privilege Management: Granular access control with subscription-based gating
  • Zero Breaches: Maintained perfect security record with zero unauthorized access

Multi-Platform Architecture:

  • Web Application: Standard OAuth 2.0 flow with refresh tokens
  • Browser Extension: Custom storage adapter for extension context
  • Desktop Application: Electron-specific authentication handling
  • Mobile Apps: React Native integration with native keychain
  • Iframe Contexts: Secure cross-origin authentication

CustomCognitoStorage Innovation:

  • Storage Abstraction: Platform-agnostic token storage interface
  • Security Layers: Encryption at rest with platform-specific keys
  • Sync Mechanisms: Cross-platform session synchronization
  • Fallback Support: Graceful degradation for unsupported platforms
  • Migration Tools: Seamless upgrade from legacy auth systems

Technical Implementation:

  • Authentication: AWS Cognito with custom extensions, OAuth 2.0
  • Security: JWT tokens, HTTP-only cookies, CSRF protection
  • Session Management: Secure session handling with automatic refresh
  • Multi-Tenant: Support for multiple user contexts and organizations
  • Monitoring: Real-time security monitoring and anomaly detection

Access Control System:

  • Role-Based Access: Admin, user, and guest role management
  • Feature Gating: Subscription-tier based access control
  • API Security: Middleware for endpoint protection
  • Resource Permissions: Fine-grained control over user resources
  • Audit Logging: Comprehensive access logging for compliance

Security Measures:

  • Token Security: Short-lived access tokens with secure refresh
  • Cookie Protection: HttpOnly, Secure, SameSite attributes
  • CSRF Protection: Token-based CSRF prevention
  • Rate Limiting: Protection against brute force attacks
  • Intrusion Detection: Automated threat detection and response

Migration Strategy:

  • Phased Rollout: Gradual migration with backward compatibility
  • Zero Downtime: Seamless transition without service interruption
  • Data Migration: Secure transfer of existing user credentials
  • Rollback Plans: Emergency rollback procedures
  • User Communication: Transparent communication during migration

Business Impact:

  • Security Improvement: Zero security incidents post-migration
  • User Experience: Single sign-on across all platforms
  • Development Efficiency: 50% reduction in auth-related development time
  • Compliance: Enhanced compliance with data protection regulations
  • Platform Expansion: Enabled rapid deployment to new platforms

Technical Innovations:

  • Storage Abstraction: Universal storage interface across platforms
  • Session Bridging: Secure session transfer between contexts
  • Adaptive Security: Context-aware security policies
  • Monitoring Integration: Real-time security dashboards

Skills Demonstrated:

AWS Cognito, OAuth 2.0, JWT, Security Architecture, Multi-Platform Development, System Migration, Access Control, Compliance