HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI). It mandates strict access controls, encryption, audit logging, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to safeguard patient data. HIPAA aligns with Zero Trust principles, requiring continuous identity verification, least privilege access, and network…

Identity and Access Management (IAM) a framework of policies, processes, and technologies for managing digital identities and controlling access to resources. IAM ensures that only authorized users have the right access at the right time, enhancing security and regulatory compliance. Key components include authentication (verifying identity), authorization (determining access rights), access control (RBAC, ABAC, UBAC, CBAC), Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Zero…

JSON Web Tokens (JWT) are digitally signed or encrypted tokens used in Keycloak for authentication and authorization, particularly in OIDC-based security. JWTs consist of a header, payload (claims), and signature, ensuring data integrity and secure identity verification. Keycloak issues JWTs as identity, access, and refresh tokens, supporting fine-grained authorization, audience restriction, and token introspection. Security…

Magic Link is a passwordless authentication method that sends a unique, temporary login link to a user’s email or mobile device. Clicking the link grants access without entering a password. Keycloak supports Magic Link via custom authenticators that generate and email the link. It enhances convenience and prevents credential stuffing, but security relies on email…

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method requiring users to verify their identity using multiple factors: Something you know (e.g., password, PIN), Something you have (e.g., security token, mobile phone), Something you are (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition). MFA enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access, even if one factor is compromised. It is…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a key role in defining and promoting Zero Trust security. NIST develops cybersecurity standards and guidelines, including the foundational NIST Special Publication 800-207, which outlines the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework. The publication emphasizes continuous verification, segmentation, automation, and identity-based access controls to minimize security risks….

OAuth 2.0 is an authorization protocol that allows applications to request limited access to user resources without sharing passwords. It operates via access tokens, enabling secure delegation of permissions. OAuth 2.0 supports multiple grant types like Authorization Code Flow and Client Credentials Flow, making it ideal for web, mobile, and API security. Keycloak implements OAuth…

One-Time Password (OTP) is an authentication method that generates unique, temporary codes valid for a short period. Used primarily in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), OTP enhances security by preventing credential reuse and replay attacks. It can be delivered via authenticator apps, SMS, or email and supports TOTP (time-based) and HOTP (counter-based) algorithms. Keycloak enables OTP customization,…

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an authentication protocol built on OAuth 2.0, enabling identity verification and access to user information via JWT-based tokens. It supports Single Sign-On (SSO) and multiple authentication flows, including Authorization Code Flow and CIBA. Keycloak leverages OIDC for identity federation, session management, and role mapping, offering secure authentication for web and mobile…

Passkeys are a passwordless authentication method that replaces traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs, enhancing security and user convenience. A private key is securely stored on the user’s device, while a public key is registered with the service. During login, the device verifies the user’s identity without transmitting the private key, making passkeys highly resistant…