Introduction
Blockchain security is a critical aspect of developing robust Web3 applications. A compromised blockchain infrastructure can lead to downtime and potential risks for users. QuickNode, a leading provider of blockchain endpoints, has recently introduced an update to its security features, allowing developers to set up multi-token authentication for their QuickNode endpoints. In this guide, we will explore the concept of multi-token authentication, its use cases, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to implement it on QuickNode.
What is Multi-Token Authentication?
Multi-token authentication refers to the ability to create multiple authentication tokens for a single blockchain endpoint. In the past, developers had to run multiple blockchain nodes to generate different tokens for their decentralized applications (dApps). This process was often complex and challenging to manage. With QuickNode's multi-token authentication feature, developers can now create distinct authentication tokens without the need for multiple blockchain nodes.
Multi-Token Authentication Use Cases
The introduction of multi-token authentication brings several benefits and use cases for developers. Let's explore some of them:
Enhanced Security: With multi-token authentication, developers can assign different authentication tokens to each of their dApps. This segregation ensures that even if one token is compromised, the other non-compromised tokens remain secure.
Selective Access Control: Multi-token authentication allows developers to grant specific permissions to different tokens. This enables fine-grained access control, limiting certain actions or data access based on the token used.
Seamless Token Revocation: In the event of a compromised token, developers can easily revoke that specific token without impacting the functionality of other tokens. This flexibility simplifies the process of managing and securing authentication tokens.
Simplified Token Management: By consolidating multiple tokens into a single blockchain endpoint, developers can streamline token management, reducing the complexity associated with running and maintaining multiple blockchain nodes.
Multi-Token Authentication Walkthrough
Implementing multi-token authentication on QuickNode is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to set it up:
Access Your Blockchain Node: Start by visiting the QuickNode endpoints page and selecting the active blockchain node you wish to configure multi-token authentication. If you don't have an account, you can sign up for a free QuickNode account here.
Navigate to the Security Tab: Once you've accessed your blockchain node, navigate to the Security tab. Here, you will find various security-related settings and options.
Create an Authentication Token: Under the Authentication token section, click on the Create button to generate a new authentication token. You can repeat this step to create multiple tokens as needed.
Assign Token Permissions: After creating the tokens, configure their permissions according to your requirements. Assign specific access levels and privileges to each token based on your dApp's needs.
Manage and Revoke Tokens: QuickNode's user-friendly dashboard allows you to manage and revoke tokens easily. If a token is compromised or no longer needed, you can revoke it without affecting the functionality of other tokens.
Other Authentication Options on QuickNode
In addition to multi-token authentication, QuickNode offers a range of other authentication features to enhance security and access control. These include:
Token-Based Authentication: QuickNode supports token-based authentication, allowing developers to create and manage multiple authentication tokens for their blockchain endpoints.
JWT (JSON Web Tokens) Authorization: JSON Web Tokens provide a secure method of authorization and authentication. QuickNode integrates JWT authorization to further enhance the security of your dApps.
Referrer WDomain Maskinghitelist: QuickNode allows developers to set up a referrer whitelist, specifying the hostnames that are allowed to access their blockchain endpoints. This feature adds an extra layer of control over who can interact with your dApp.
Domain Masking: With QuickNode's domain masking feature, you can mask the underlying blockchain endpoint's URL with your custom domain. This helps maintain brand consistency and provides a seamless experience for your users.
Source IP: Source IP whitelisting is a QuickNode feature that allows you to specify up to 25 trusted IP addresses. Requests from these addresses are granted access to your endpoint, while all others are denied. This provides a simple yet effective way to control and secure access to your QuickNode endpoint.
Contract Addresses: QuickNode's Contract Addresses whitelist feature allows you to enhance the security of your endpoint by permitting only specific contract addresses to make
eth_callrequests. It's a valuable tool for selective access control and safeguarding the integrity of your blockchain data. This feature is continuously improving, with plans to support additional methods in the future.
Conclusion
By implementing multi-token authentication on QuickNode, developers can enhance the security and access control of their Web3 applications. The ability to create multiple authentication tokens for a single blockchain endpoint simplifies token management and allows for selective access control. With features like JWT authorization, referrer whitelists, and domain masking, QuickNode offers a comprehensive suite of authentication options to ensure the safety and integrity of your dApps. Explore QuickNode's security features today and build robust and secure blockchain applications. If you're new to Web3 development, check out our Guides page for a variety of Web3 development topics.
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About QuickNode
QuickNode is building infrastructure to support the future of Web3. Since 2017, we've worked with hundreds of developers and companies, helping scale dApps and providing high-performance access to 24+ blockchains. Subscribe to our newsletter for more content like this, and stay in the loop with what's happening in Web3!