The Refresh Token Pattern: Stay Logged In Securely

A refresh token is like a key to a key-making machine; it mints new access tokens without re-prompting the user. This pattern keeps users logged in to web and mobile apps. The footgun: a leaked refresh token can grant an attacker indefinite access.
A refresh token is like a key to a key-making machine. It lets your app mint new, short-lived access tokens (JWTs) without forcing the user to re-authenticate, balancing security with UX. It's essential for keeping users logged into web, mobile, and single-page apps, especially for SPAs bypassing browser cookie restrictions. The footgun: a leaked refresh token is a major security risk, as it can be used to generate new access tokens indefinitely. Always store them securely and use rotation.
Read the original → auth0.com
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