1390  Authentication and Access Control

1390.1 Overview

Authentication and access control are the foundational pillars of IoT security. This comprehensive series of hands-on labs teaches you how to build secure access control systems from basic RFID authentication to enterprise-grade capability-based access management.

Through practical ESP32 implementations, you’ll learn the critical distinction between authentication (verifying identity) and authorization (checking permissions), and understand why both are essential for secure IoT systems.

1390.2 Learning Path

This content is organized into four progressive chapters, taking you from fundamentals to advanced enterprise patterns:

1390.2.1 1. Fundamentals Lab

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 2-3 hours

Build a complete IoT access control system with: - Token-based authentication using simulated RFID cards - Multi-level role-based access control (GUEST, USER, ADMIN) - Account lockout policies to prevent brute force attacks - Comprehensive audit logging - Visual and audio feedback systems

What you’ll build: A working ESP32 access control system with 4 LEDs, buzzer, and 2 buttons that demonstrates the authentication β†’ authorization flow.

Start the Fundamentals Lab β†’

1390.2.2 2. Security Concepts and Challenges

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 1-2 hours

Extend your understanding with: - Security concepts demonstrated in the lab - Real-world application mapping - 5 challenge exercises to enhance the system: - Time-based access control - Two-person rule implementation - Temporary access passes - Anti-passback protection - Emergency override mode

Prerequisites: Complete the Fundamentals Lab first.

Explore Challenges β†’

1390.2.3 3. Authentication Concepts

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 1 hour

Master the theoretical foundations: - The AAA Framework (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) - Common security mistakes and how to avoid them - Transitioning from lab implementations to production systems - Real-world examples: AWS IAM, Kubernetes RBAC, OAuth 2.0

Key Learning: Understand how lab concepts map to enterprise security systems.

Learn Core Concepts β†’

1390.2.4 4. Advanced Access Control Lab

Difficulty: Advanced | Time: 3-4 hours

Implement enterprise-grade security patterns: - Capability-based access control with fine-grained permissions - Session management with time-limited tokens - Privilege escalation prevention - Token lifecycle management (creation, validation, renewal, revocation) - Attribute-based access control (ABAC) - Separation of duties

What you’ll build: A sophisticated access control system with session tokens, capability management, and context-aware access decisions.

Start Advanced Lab β†’

1390.3 Key Concepts Covered

Concept Fundamentals Challenges Concepts Advanced
Authentication vs Authorization βœ“ βœ“ βœ“ βœ“
Role-Based Access Control βœ“ βœ“
Capability-Based Access Control βœ“
Account Lockout βœ“ βœ“
Audit Logging βœ“ βœ“ βœ“ βœ“
Session Management βœ“
Token Lifecycle βœ“
Privilege Escalation Prevention βœ“
Attribute-Based Access Control βœ“ βœ“
AAA Framework βœ“
Production Patterns βœ“

1390.4 Interactive Knowledge Checks

Throughout these labs, you’ll encounter 17 interactive knowledge check questions covering: - Authentication vs authorization distinctions - OAuth 2.0 token lifecycle and device flows - Multi-factor authentication (MFA) in IoT - Certificate-based device authentication - Challenge-response protocols - Biometric authentication at scale - Privilege escalation detection - And more…

Each question provides detailed feedback to reinforce learning.

1390.5 Suggested Learning Sequence

For Beginners (6-7 hours total): 1. Fundamentals Lab - Build the basic system 2. Security Concepts - Understand what you built 3. Core Concepts - Learn the AAA framework 4. Pick 2-3 challenge exercises to practice

For Intermediate Learners (8-10 hours total): 1. Fundamentals Lab - Quick refresher 2. Complete all 5 Challenge Exercises 3. Core Concepts - Connect to real-world systems 4. Advanced Lab - Enterprise patterns

For Advanced Developers (4-5 hours total): 1. Skim Fundamentals Lab 2. Jump to Advanced Lab 3. Review Core Concepts for production insights 4. Implement custom challenge exercises

1390.6 What You’ll Build

1390.6.1 Fundamentals Lab Hardware Setup

  • ESP32 DevKit V1
  • 4 LEDs (Green=Access Granted, Red=Denied, Yellow=Status, Blue=Admin)
  • 4x 220Ξ© resistors
  • 1 Piezo buzzer
  • 2 Push buttons

1390.6.2 Code Skills Developed

  • C++ for embedded systems
  • Security-focused programming patterns
  • State machine design
  • Event-driven architecture
  • Cryptographic primitives
  • Token management

1390.7 Real-World Applications

The concepts in these labs directly apply to:

Physical Security: - Corporate badge access systems - Smart locks and door controllers - Data center entry systems - Hotel keycard systems

Digital Security: - AWS IAM policies - Kubernetes RBAC - OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect - API key management - JWT token validation

IoT Systems: - Fleet authentication - Device provisioning - Certificate-based device identity - Secure firmware updates - Remote device management

1390.8 Prerequisites

Required Knowledge: - Basic Arduino/C++ programming - Understanding of GPIO operations - Basic security concepts

Recommended Background: - Cyber Security Methods - For deeper crypto understanding - IoT Device Security - For broader security context

Hardware: - Access to Wokwi simulator (browser-based, no physical hardware needed) - Or physical ESP32 with components for hands-on implementation

1390.10 Get Started

Ready to build secure IoT access control systems?

Start with the Fundamentals Lab β†’

Or jump to: - Challenge Exercises β†’ - Core Concepts β†’ - Advanced Lab β†’