Secure Authentication for Web Applications: Avoiding Password Storage to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks

Securing user data is paramount, especially for web applications that require authentication. However, handling sensitive data such as usernames and passwords can be a challenge, as they are often targeted by hackers. To mitigate this risk, the author suggests using an identity provider such as Google and Facebook to handle authentication instead of storing sensitive data themselves. While this solution is not perfect, it provides a simpler and safer approach to authentication. In this article, the author discusses the advantages of using an identity provider, the limitations of this solution, and how to mitigate potential issues. It also includes a practical example (code) that demonstrates how to use Spotify authentication with Next.js.