Want to simplify secure access for your users? Custom authentication flows are the backbone of modern identity systems, balancing security with a smooth user experience. This guide breaks down how to create, configure, and optimize authentication flows using Keycloak and Skycloak.
Key Points:
- Keycloak Overview: An open-source Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform with features like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and social login.
- Skycloak: A managed hosting solution for Keycloak that simplifies setup with pre-configured templates for authentication flows.
- Authentication Flow Basics: Keycloak organizes authentication into flows, authenticators, and executions, allowing for tailored security processes.
- Building Custom Flows: Use Keycloak’s Service Provider Interface (SPI) to create custom providers or Skycloak’s templates for faster implementation.
- Optimization Tips: Focus on session management, token security, and user-friendly designs to enhance security and usability.
Quick Comparison of Keycloak vs. Skycloak:
| Feature | Keycloak (Self-Hosted) | Skycloak (Managed Hosting) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | High (requires expertise) | Low (pre-configured templates) |
| Hosting Management | Self-managed | Fully managed |
| Customization | High (requires coding skills) | High (with pre-built options) |
| Pricing | Free (self-hosted) | Based on user activity |
Whether you’re building from scratch or using managed tools like Skycloak, this guide has everything you need to create secure, scalable authentication systems.
Keycloak: Custom Authentication Flows
Keycloak Authentication Flow Basics
Authentication flows in Keycloak manage the login and registration processes. These flows are built around several key components that determine how authentication is handled.
Core Flow Components
Keycloak breaks authentication into three main elements:
| Component | Purpose | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Flows | Act as containers for processes | Organize authentication steps in a configurable hierarchy |
| Authenticators | Handle the authentication logic | Modular components, often implemented as singletons |
| Executions | Link authenticators to flows | Define specific requirements for each step |
Executions can be configured with different statuses: required, alternative, optional, or disabled. This flexibility allows for tailored authentication processes.
Creating Custom Authentication Providers
To add custom functionality, Keycloak uses its Service Provider Interface (SPI). This architecture lets developers integrate new authentication methods while staying compatible with Keycloak’s system. As outlined in, the authentication SPI is the foundation for extending Keycloak’s capabilities.
When building custom providers, it’s important to:
- Use singleton authenticator instances for efficiency.
- Clearly define execution requirements for each step.
- Include one-time actions for user-specific tasks.
- Manage authentication states properly to ensure smooth operation.
Skycloak Templates for Quick Setup
Skycloak enhances Keycloak’s built-in tools by offering pre-configured templates for common authentication needs. These templates follow best practices and can be adjusted to fit specific organizational goals. Examples include setups for social login, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and passkey support.
For more advanced use cases, Skycloak also provides options to fully customize Keycloak cluster configurations. This allows teams to fine-tune their authentication flows to meet strict security requirements, all while benefiting from a managed infrastructure.
Building Authentication Flows
Set up custom authentication flows that align with your security needs while keeping the user experience smooth and intuitive.
Planning Authentication Requirements
Start by outlining what your authentication system needs to achieve. Here’s a breakdown of key elements to consider:
| Requirement Type | Components to Address | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | HTTPS, Certificates, MFA | Encryption and layered verification |
| Access Control | RBAC, Client Roles | Managing permissions and user access |
| User Experience | Session Management, Password Policies | Balancing ease of use with security |
| Compliance | Monitoring, Logging | Creating audit trails and tracking incidents |
“Keycloak is a tool for managing identity and access that ensures the security of applications and web services. To maximally secure your environment using it, it’s important to implement best practices.”
Once your requirements are clear, move on to configuring your environment with the steps below.
Implementation Steps
- Enable Script Features
To enable script support in your environment, use the following command for Docker deployments:docker run -p 8080:8080 -e ... quay.io/keycloak/keycloak -Dkeycloak.profile.feature.upload_scripts=enabled - Set Up Client Roles
Go to the Clients section in Keycloak, select your client, and define the roles needed for your setup. - Customize Authentication Flow
Head to Configure > Authentication > Flow in Keycloak. Build a flow tailored to your security policies by adding executions and configuring them to match your requirements.
Example: Building Conditional Flows
Let’s take a role-based access control setup as an example. A process outlined by Janik von Rotz (April 2020) highlights how to achieve this:
- Created a client role called “access.”
- Wrote a custom authentication script to check for role assignments.
- Integrated this script into the authentication flow.
- Tested the setup with users assigned different roles.
This method shows how conditional flows can help you control access permissions without compromising security.
“Security is not a product, but a process.”
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Solving Common Problems
When setting up custom authentication flows, organizations often face specific challenges. Addressing these effectively requires a mix of thoughtful planning and practical solutions. Below are some ways to tackle common issues.
Security and Scale Optimization
To build secure and scalable systems, focus on token management, session handling, and data encryption. Here’s a breakdown of strategies:
| Focus Area | How to Implement | What It Achieves |
|---|---|---|
| Session Management | Set session timeouts between 15–30 minutes | Minimizes the risk of session hijacking |
| Cluster Performance | Use caching for user sessions and tokens | Enhances response times during high traffic |
| Data Protection | Encrypt data both at rest and in transit | Aligns with GDPR and SOC2 compliance |
Skycloak simplifies cluster management to ensure systems stay fast and responsive, even as they scale.
But technical performance isn’t the whole picture – making the user experience seamless is just as important.
User Experience Optimization
Authentication flows should strike a balance between security and ease of use. Here are some ways to improve the user experience:
- Custom Login Pages
Use Keycloak’s theme support to design login pages that match your app’s branding. This includes tailoring forms, error messages, and notifications to your style. - Smart Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Configure risk-based authentication that only asks for extra verification when needed – like logging in from a new device, an unusual location, or during sensitive actions. - Efficient Session Handling
Create systems that securely remember trusted devices, reducing friction for users while keeping security intact.
Testing and Error Resolution
Once performance and user experience are optimized, thorough testing ensures your authentication flows are reliable. Skycloak provides tools to make this process smoother:
| Tool | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Docker-compose Generator | Sets up test environments | Ensures consistent, repeatable testing setups |
| JWT Decoder | Validates tokens | Speeds up troubleshooting for token issues |
| Event Monitoring | Tracks security events | Helps detect suspicious activity early |
“Skycloak ensures GDPR compliance by hosting EU customer data within EU regions, providing tools for data access and deletion, and encrypting data at rest and in transit”
Additional steps include regular security audits, load testing, integration testing with connected services, and user acceptance testing for new features. These measures ensure your authentication flows are both secure and user-friendly.
Authentication Flow Standards
Set up secure authentication flows by following Skycloak’s guidelines.
Security First Approach
Skycloak’s managed environment simplifies implementing essential security measures. Start by enabling SSL on all endpoints to encrypt data during transit, protecting sensitive information.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key actions:
| Security Measure | Implementation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Protection | Enable HTTPS for all endpoints | Prevents man-in-the-middle attacks |
| Event Monitoring | Configure audit logging | Identifies suspicious authentication attempts |
| Regular Updates | Schedule maintenance windows | Applies the latest security patches |
Building Reusable Components
Using modular components can make managing security easier and more efficient. Begin with simple designs and add complexity only when necessary. Some useful reusable components include:
- Token Management: Standardized handlers for validating tokens
- Session Controls: Unified logic for session timeouts and renewals
- MFA Modules: Modular components for multi-factor authentication
Once built, test these components thoroughly to ensure they function as intended.
Testing Requirements
Rigorous testing is essential to keep authentication flows secure and reliable. Focus on these areas:
- Security Testing
Confirm that all credentials are transmitted via encrypted channels by verifying SSL implementation and certificate validation. - Authentication Bypass Testing
Regularly check for vulnerabilities like default credentials, weak lockout mechanisms, and improper session handling. - User Experience Testing
Evaluate workflows and multi-factor authentication activation to ensure security measures don’t create unnecessary friction for users.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Custom authentication flows play a crucial role in modern identity management, and Skycloak simplifies the process with its managed platform. Here are some standout features and their benefits:
| Feature | Advantage | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-built IAM Recipes | Quick implementation | Cuts setup time from days to just minutes |
| Advanced Configuration | Full cluster control | Allows tailored authentication workflows |
| Security Compliance | SOC2 certification | Meets enterprise-level security needs |
These tools provide organizations with the flexibility to create secure and scalable identity management systems.
How to Start with Skycloak
Skycloak makes it easy to explore its platform with a 7-day free trial, requiring no credit card. Here’s a quick look at the implementation process:
- Initial Setup: Gain access to your managed Keycloak cluster through Skycloak’s automated provisioning system.
- Configuration: Use pre-built IAM recipes for common needs like SSO, MFA, and social login.
- Customization: Adjust authentication flows to meet specific requirements with advanced configuration options.
Already using Keycloak? Skycloak offers free migration services, regardless of the number of users, ensuring a smooth transition. The platform is also working toward HIPAA and ISO 27001 certifications, expected by 2025, underscoring its focus on top-tier security.
Skycloak’s managed infrastructure ensures your team can prioritize delivering secure user experiences while leaving the heavy lifting to the platform.