Form-Based Authentication - What it is, how it works, and best practices to secure logins

Form-Based Authentication

What it is

Form-based authentication is the login box you see on most websites. A page asks for your username and password, then the app checks them and signs you in if they match.

How it works - quick tour

  1. You enter credentials in a web form and submit.

  2. The server verifies them and, if valid, creates a session (usually via a cookie).

  3. Your browser sends that session cookie with each request so the site knows you’re logged in.

Benefits

  • Familiar and easy to implement

  • Works across browsers and devices

  • Can be upgraded with stronger protections

Common pitfalls

  • Plain HTTP or weak TLS settings

  • Storing passwords without proper hashing

  • Session cookies not marked Secure and HttpOnly

  • No protection against brute force or phishing

Best practices

  • HTTPS everywhere - no exceptions

  • MFA for important accounts

  • Hash passwords with bcrypt/Argon2 and use per-user salts

  • Rate limit and lock out brute-force attempts

  • CSRF and XSS protections to keep sessions safe

  • Set cookies: Secure, HttpOnly, and SameSite

  • Offer passwordless or passkeys where possible

    Glossary (A–Z)

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