This documentation covers the specialised client API authentication endpoints that provide secure authentication for external clients and third-party integrations with the NudgeScribe platform.
Introduction#
The Client API Authentication endpoints are specialised authentication routes designed for:Third-Party Integrations: Secure authentication for external applications
Client Applications: Authentication for mobile apps, web apps, and service-to-service communication
API Key Management: Token-based authentication for programmatic access
Re-authentication: Token refresh and session management for long-running applications
client_api_middleware]and are designed for high-volume, programmatic access patterns.
Endpoints#
Endpoints Overview#
| Endpoint | Method | Purpose | Authentication Type |
|---|
/v1/auth | POST | Client API authentication | API Key |
/v1/auth | TRACE | Re-authenticate/refresh token | Refresh Token |
Description#
Primary authentication endpoint for client applications and third-party integrations requiring programmatic access to the NudgeScribe platform.Purpose#
Enables secure authentication for external clients using API credentials, providing JWT tokens for subsequent API calls.Business Use Cases#
Third-Party Integrations: SaaS platforms integrating with NudgeScribe
Mobile Applications: Mobile apps requiring secure backend access
Microservices: Service-to-service authentication in distributed architectures
Automated Systems: Batch processing systems and automated workflows
Partner Integrations: External partners accessing customer data or functionality
Technical Implementation#
Validates API key and secret against registered clients
Generates JWT token with client-specific claims
Sets Access Token expiration (default: 14 days)
Sets Refresh Token expiration (default: 15 days)
Applies client-level permissions and scope restrictions
Logs authentication attempts with client identification
Security Features#
API Credential Validation: Secure verification of API key
Scope-Based Authorization: Tokens limited to requested permissions
Rate Limiting: Protection against brute force attacks
Client Tracking: All authentication attempts logged with client ID
Token Expiration: Configurable token lifetime for security
Endpoint#
Description#
Re-authentication endpoint for refreshing expired tokens or validating existing authentication status for client applications.Purpose#
Enables client applications to maintain continuous authentication without requiring users to re-enter credentials.Business Use Cases#
Session Management: Maintain long-running application sessions
Token Refresh: Refresh expired tokens before they become invalid
Health Checks: Validate current authentication status
Seamless UX: Prevent authentication interruptions in user workflows
Automated Systems: Keep long-running processes authenticated
Technical Implementation#
Generates new access tokens with updated expiration
May issue new refresh tokens for enhanced security
Maintains client session continuity
Logs re-authentication events for audit trails
Security Features#
API Credential Validation: Secure verification of API key
Scope-Based Authorization: Tokens limited to requested permissions
Rate Limiting: Protection against brute force attacks
Client Tracking: All authentication attempts logged with client ID
Token Expiration: Configurable token lifetime for security
Authentication Flow Diagrams#
Initial Authentication Flow#
Client Application
↓ POST /v1/auth
↓ {api_key}
Server Validation
↓ Validate credentials
↓ Generate JWT token
Response with Access Token
↓ Store token securely
Subsequent API Calls
↓ Authorization: Bearer <token>
Re-authentication Flow#
Client Application
↓ TRACE /v1/auth
↓ {refresh_token}
Server Validation
↓ Validate refresh token
↓ Generate a new access token
↓ Generate a new refresh token
Response with New Token
↓ Update stored token securely
Continue API Operations
Security & Compliance#
Authentication Security#
API Key Management: Secure storage and rotation of API credentials
Token Security: JWT tokens with cryptographic signatures
Scope Limitation: Tokens restricted to requested permissions
Expiration Handling: Configurable token lifetimes
Rate Limiting: Protection against authentication abuse
Client API middleware Features#
Request Validation: Comprehensive input validation
Authentication Verification: Multi-layer credential validation
Audit Logging: All authentication attempts logged
Error Handling: Secure error responses without information leakage
Performance Monitoring: Track authentication performance metrics
Compliance Considerations#
Audit Trails: All authentication events logged with timestamps
Access Control: Fine-grained permission management
Data Protection: Secure handling of authentication credentials
Regulatory Support: Compliance with data protection regulations
Common Error Codes#
| Status Code | Description | Common Causes |
|---|
400 | Bad Request | Missing API credentials, invalid request format |
401 | Unauthorized | Invalid API key/secret, expired refresh token |
403 | Forbidden | Insufficient permissions, account suspended |
429 | Too Many Requests | Rate limit exceeded |
500 | Internal Server Error | Server configuration issues, database errors |
Security Best Practices#
Secure Storage: Store API credentials and tokens securely
Token Rotation: Regularly refresh tokens before expiration
Scope Minimisation: Request only necessary permissions
Error Handling: Implement proper error handling for authentication failures
Monitoring: Monitor authentication patterns for anomalies
Modified at 2025-10-31 13:00:30
