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Achieving Single Sign-On for Mobile Apps with AWS Cognito: Leveraging OAuth 2 and Custom Authentication

Currently, Cognito only supports SSO on the web, so how can we deploy it on mobile applications? In this article, we will learn how to implement Single Sign-On (SSO) on mobile applications, especially when using Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cognito service.

Understanding SSO and Cognito

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an identity management method that allows users to access multiple applications and services with a single sign-in. Cognito is AWS’s identity management service, providing a powerful tool for implementing SSO and creating a secure environment for your applications.

Comparing OIDC and OAuth 2

OpenID Connect (OIDC) and OAuth 2 are two popular protocols for implementing SSO and user authentication. Here’s a comparison:

OAuth 2 is an authorization protocol that allows users to authorize actions on behalf of services without sharing passwords.

OIDC extends OAuth 2’s features and provides user information via ID tokens.

Implementing SSO on mobile apps with OAuth 2

To implement Single Sign-On for your Mobile Apps with AWS Cognito and OAuth 2, follow these steps: –

1. The user chooses to log in with Cognito on the mobile application.

2. The application redirects users to the Cognito login page.

3. The user provides login information.

4. Cognito authenticates and issues authentication codes.

5. The application uses authentication tokens to obtain user information from Cognito.

Custom Authentication with Cognito

If you want to customize the authentication process, Cognito offers Custom Authentication. This allows you to integrate complex authentication mechanisms such as OTP codes or integrate with internal systems.

In conclusion, implementing SSO on mobile apps with Cognito requires an understanding of OAuth 2 and OIDC. By leveraging these methods and the flexibility of Custom Authentication, you can build secure and user-friendly mobile applications. Seeking assistance with your mobile app? discover our expertise and services.