Advanced Authentication Patterns in React Native 🔐

Security is paramount in mobile applications. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore advanced authentication patterns that will keep your users safe and hackers at bay.

Biometric Authentication

Modern devices support various biometric authentication methods:

import TouchID from 'react-native-touch-id';

const authenticateWithBiometrics = async () => {
  try {
    const biometryType = await TouchID.isSupported();
    if (biometryType) {
      const isAuthenticated = await TouchID.authenticate(
        'Authenticate to access your account',
        {
          showErrorDialog: true,
          fallbackLabel: 'Use Passcode'
        }
      );
      return isAuthenticated;
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Biometric authentication failed:', error);
  }
};

JWT Token Management

Proper token management is crucial for security:

import AsyncStorage from '@react-native-async-storage/async-storage';

class TokenManager {
  static async storeTokens(accessToken, refreshToken) {
    await AsyncStorage.multiSet([
      ['accessToken', accessToken],
      ['refreshToken', refreshToken]
    ]);
  }

  static async getAccessToken() {
    return await AsyncStorage.getItem('accessToken');
  }

  static async refreshAccessToken() {
    const refreshToken = await AsyncStorage.getItem('refreshToken');
    // Implement token refresh logic
  }
}

Social Authentication

Implementing social login providers:

import { GoogleSignin } from '@react-native-google-signin/google-signin';

const signInWithGoogle = async () => {
  try {
    await GoogleSignin.hasPlayServices();
    const userInfo = await GoogleSignin.signIn();
    return userInfo;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Google Sign-In failed:', error);
  }
};

Security Best Practices

1. Never store sensitive data in plain text
2. Use HTTPS for all API calls
3. Implement certificate pinning
4. Use secure storage for tokens
5. Implement proper session management

Stay secure! 🛡️