1385  Authentication and Access Control

Building Secure IoT Access Systems

1385.1 Overview

This comprehensive module covers authentication and access control for IoT systems, from fundamental concepts to enterprise-grade implementations. Learn to build secure access control systems that verify identity (authentication), check permissions (authorization), and log all activity (accounting).

NoteModule Structure

This topic has been organized into focused chapters for easier learning:

  1. Fundamentals - Core concepts of authentication vs authorization
  2. Basic Lab Setup - Hardware components and circuit design
  3. Basic Lab Implementation - Complete working code with testing
  4. Advanced Concepts - Capability-based access, tokens, sessions
  5. Advanced Lab Implementation - Enterprise-grade security patterns

1385.2 Learning Path

1385.2.1 Beginner Path

Start with the fundamentals to understand the core concepts:

Chapter Focus Time
Authentication Fundamentals Auth vs Authz, AAA framework 30 min
Basic Lab Setup Components, circuit, code structure 45 min
Basic Lab Implementation Full implementation, testing 60 min

1385.2.2 Advanced Path

After completing the basics, explore enterprise-grade patterns:

Chapter Focus Time
Advanced Concepts Capabilities, tokens, sessions 45 min
Advanced Lab Implementation Full enterprise implementation 90 min

1385.3 Key Concepts Covered

1385.3.1 Authentication vs Authorization

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flowchart LR
    A[User] --> B{Authentication<br/>Who are you?}
    B -->|Valid| C{Authorization<br/>What can you do?}
    B -->|Invalid| D[Denied]
    C -->|Permitted| E[Granted]
    C -->|Not Permitted| F[Denied]

    style B fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff
    style C fill:#16A085,stroke:#0e6655,color:#fff

1385.3.2 The AAA Framework

Component Question Purpose
Authentication Who are you? Verify identity
Authorization What can you do? Check permissions
Accounting What did you do? Audit trail

1385.3.3 Topics by Chapter

Fundamentals: - Authentication methods (tokens, certificates, biometrics) - Authorization models (RBAC, ABAC) - Common security anti-patterns

Basic Lab: - RFID-style token authentication - Role-based access control (GUEST, USER, ADMIN) - Account lockout policies - Audit logging

Advanced Topics: - Capability-based access control with bit flags - Session management with idle timeouts - Token lifecycle (issue, refresh, revoke) - Privilege escalation prevention - Time-based access restrictions

1385.4 Hands-On Labs

1385.4.1 Basic Access Control Lab

Build a complete IoT access control system with: - ESP32 microcontroller - LED indicators for access states - Buzzer for audio feedback - Button-based RFID simulation

Security features demonstrated: - Token-based authentication - Role-based access control - Brute force protection (lockout) - Comprehensive audit logging

1385.4.2 Advanced Access Control Lab

Extend to enterprise-grade patterns: - Capability bit flags (12 different permissions) - Time-limited session tokens - Token refresh with rate limiting - Privilege elevation with MFA simulation - Escalation attempt detection

1385.5 Quick Start

Choose based on your experience level:

TipNew to Security?

Start with Authentication Fundamentals to understand core concepts before building.

TipReady to Build?

Jump to Basic Lab Setup if you understand authentication vs authorization.

TipWant Advanced Topics?

Go directly to Advanced Concepts if youโ€™ve completed basic RBAC systems.

1385.7 Summary

This module teaches you to build secure IoT access control systems that:

  1. Verify identity through multiple authentication methods
  2. Check permissions using role-based and capability-based access control
  3. Prevent attacks through lockout policies and escalation detection
  4. Maintain audit trails for security forensics and compliance

The hands-on labs provide practical experience with real security patterns used in enterprise systems, from basic RFID-style authentication to advanced token lifecycle management.