October 24, 2024
Overview
The Technical Discussion and Planning meeting focused on key themes related to security and identity management in software applications, starting with a decision to hold future meetings publicly for Linux Foundation members. Toby presented insights on decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and challenges around verifiable data registries, while Claude elaborated on OAuth workflows in desktop applications, highlighting security concerns regarding token storage. The team discussed the zero trust model in device authentication and the complexities of trust in desktop environments. Challenges around cross-application token sharing and plugin security were examined, with suggestions for sandboxing plugins and developing restricted access tokens. Action items were assigned, including preparations for future presentations on zero trust methodologies and various authorization experiences.
Notes
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Security and Identity Discussion (00:00 - 09:30)
Meeting switched from another platform to Zoom
Discussion about making the meeting public or private
Agreed to make future meetings public for Linux Foundation members
OAuth and Decentralized Identifiers (09:30 - 20:34)
Toby presented on decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and W3C standards
Discussed challenges with verifiable data registries for DIDs
Explored the concept of verified credentials and their interoperability with DIDs
Mentioned mobile driver's license applications using verifiable credentials
OAuth Workflow and Desktop Applications (20:34 - 29:08)
Claude explained OAuth workflow in desktop products
Discussed challenges of storing sensitive information (tokens) in desktop applications
Explored the idea of using keychains to store secure information
Zero Trust and Device Authentication (29:08 - 39:29)
Discussed the concept of zero trust and its application to devices
Explored the need for authenticating both users and devices
Discussed the challenges of establishing trust in desktop environments
Mentioned potential solutions like sandboxing and containerization
Cross-Application Token Sharing (39:29 - 52:42)
Discussed the challenge of sharing authentication across multiple desktop applications
Explored RFC documentation on cross-application token sharing for mobile apps
Discussed the complexity of implementing cross-vendor workflows
Plugin Security and Trust (52:43 - 01:00:10)
Discussed challenges of establishing trust relationships with plugins in desktop applications
Explored the idea of sandboxing plugins and providing restricted access tokens
Agreed to continue discussions on authentication, authorization, and practical implementations in future meetings
Key Takeaways
The meeting covered several technical topics related to identity management, zero trust, and authentication/authorization systems. Here are the key technical takeaways:
Zero Trust and Device Authentication:
Zero trust is about establishing guidelines where systems can trust each other. It involves validating user identities and controlling access rights.
Authenticating the device, not just the user, is crucial. There was a discussion on the need for device trust and the role of managed devices in ensuring security.
OAuth Workflows:
OAuth workflows were discussed, especially in the context of desktop applications. The challenge is securely storing sensitive information like refresh tokens and managing them across different applications without requiring repeated sign-ins.
The need to separate identity and access tokens was highlighted to improve security.
Identity Standards and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs):
There was a discussion on decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and their interoperability with verifiable credentials. DIDs aim to decentralize identity from traditional identity providers.
Verifiable credentials were seen as a potential path forward, but there are challenges related to the lack of standardization and the need for a verifiable data registry.
Cross-Application Token Sharing:
There's an interest in enabling cross-application token sharing, especially for desktop products to avoid repeated sign-ins. This is complex, especially when involving multiple vendors.
Plugin Security:
The issue of plugins in applications and how they interact with authentication and tokens was raised. Establishing trust with third-party plugins and ensuring that they do not compromise security is a concern.
Sandboxing and Application Isolation:
The potential for using sandboxing and containerization to create secure environments within desktop applications was mentioned as a way to enhance security.
Authorization vs. Authentication:
The importance of understanding the separation between authorization and authentication was noted, with a suggestion to possibly have a session to explain these concepts further.