Transition to Modern Authentication

Modern authentication is a significant shift from legacy authentication methods used by services like Google, Microsoft, and Mastodon. Legacy authentication involved the exchange of usernames and passwords between user apps and servers, posing security risks and limitations. In contrast, modern authentication divides the authentication and authorization processes, enhancing security and control. Users prove their identity to a single server, the Identity Provider (IDP), which issues a token with user identification, permissions, and an expiration date. Tokens, not passwords, are then used for app authorization, improving data security and limiting app permissions.