Authorization Basics

Last reviewed Jun 1, 2026 Content v20260601

Track mode

none

Means

Read / quiz

Reading

~1 min

Level

beginner

This lesson

This lesson teaches Authorization Basics: security mindset, common threats, and defensive practices for software teams.

Account takeover is the most common breach path—authn/z design is security-critical.

You will apply Authorization Basics in contexts like: SaaS login, mobile tokens, and workforce SSO portals.

Read scenario-based lessons, map controls to code you write on other tracks, and complete MCQs—practice threat modeling on paper or in docs.

When you can explain the previous lesson's ideas in your own words.

Authorization enforces what an authenticated principal may do—read own orders vs admin delete all users.

Models

Never rely on hidden UI buttons—attackers call APIs directly. Enforce on every endpoint.

Insecure Direct Object Reference: changing ?id=123 to another user's id—fix by scoping queries to current user.

Tip: Add automated tests: user A cannot access user B's resource id.

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