``` Understanding Web3 Authentication

Web3 Authentication Patterns

Modern authentication patterns using cryptographic signatures, decentralized identifiers, and zero-knowledge proofs for secure dApps.

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Web3 Authentication Fundamentals

Authentication Layers

Signature

Encryption

Identity

Decentralized Verification

Users control private keys and sign requests using cryptographic wallets. Authentication occurs through signature verification rather than centralized servers.

Wallet-based identity management
Zero-knowledge proof integration

Access Control

Dynamic access policies using on-chain identity verification without relying on database-stored credentials.

Public-key cryptography
Role-based smart contracts

Ethereum Signature Example


// Solidity signature verification
function authenticate(bytes32 digest, uint8 v, bytes32 r, bytes32 s) public {
    address signer = ecrecover(digest, v, r, s);
    require(signer != address(0));
    
    // Verify signature origin
    require(signer == msg.sender);
    
    emit AuthenticationConfirmed(signer);
}

✓ECDSA signature validation

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Security Recommendations

Use hardware wallets

Store private keys in hardware security modules (HSMs) or secure element-based devices instead of software wallets.

Sign-on-device

Always perform cryptographic signing on the user's device instead of centralized infrastructure to avoid key exposure.

Multi-factor

Combine cryptographic signatures with biometric or OTP fallback systems for enhanced user authentication.

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