Simplifying API Authentication with Unmeshed
Authentication is the backbone of secure and efficient API execution; it is the first layer of protection for real-time use cases where calls are exposed directly to end-user devices or browsers.
The Challenge: Authentication in Real-Time APIs
When client exposes API endpoints to end-user devices, the identity of the caller becomes crucial. Whether it’s a mobile app, a browser, or IoT device making API request, a real time calling for robust authentication is needed to:
- Verify the legitimacy of the call.
- Protect sensitive data.
- Enable context-aware workflows.
Traditionally, handling authentication for such use cases required a middleware layer. This is especially true for Backend for Frontend (BFF) architectures that depends on managing authentication separately. It often requires a middleware layer that intercepts API requests, validates the caller, and forwards the authenticated identity to downstream processes, inevitably adding architectural complexity and increases maintenance overhead.
Our Solution
Unmeshed believes that by embedding authentication layer in API execution layers, aim to provide secured environment for authentication management and simplify developer’s need to manage authentication workflow.
1. Flexible Authentication Connections and Per-Endpoint Authentication
Each API call exposes through Unmeshed can be tied to a specific authentication connection. Additionally, it defines and enforces the right security level for each endpoint individually, streamlining your API management.
It empowers developer to configure multiple authentication connections, doesn’t matter if a developer is using AuthO, Okta, API keys, or another method, the platform adapts to developer’s needs. This flexibility ensures that developer has control over APIs on the diversity of user base.
2. Middleware-Free BFF Implementation
With Unmeshed, there’s no need for a separate middleware layer to handle authentication. Our platform integrates authentication directly into the API execution layer, making it an ideal solution for BFF architectures. This reduces complexity and enhances performance.
For instance, an e-commerce platform can use Unmeshed to handle API requests from mobile apps and browsers. When a user initiates a purchase, their authenticated identity is seamlessly passed to the workflow, enabling the system to authorize actions such as applying personalized discounts, checking inventory, and securing payment transactions.
Unmeshed Advantage
Instead of budgeting on costly operational overhead and dealing with middleware’s integration complexity, we integrate authentication process directly into the API execution layer, offering organizations a safe environment to manage API security. To summarize, we eliminate middleware layer, simplify API authentication management and allowing multiple authentication connections and attach them directly to specific endpoints.
This integration provides enhanced security for real-time use cases where API calls originate from diverse end-user devices or browsers. Most importantly, your enterprise can reduce operational overhead and achieve cost-effective orchestration without compromising on safety.