As organisations shift towards distributed systems and micro-services, vulnerabilities in service-to-service (S2S) communication can have serious consequences, with a majority reporting susceptibility to insider attacks.
Implementing static tokens initially for S2S security, the system later evolved to dynamic tokens with Time-to-Live (TTL) for better security and reduced exposure.
The hybrid token model was introduced to ensure security and resiliency by using dynamic tokens predominantly and static tokens as backups during system failures.
To prevent misuse of static tokens during normal operations, an enhanced hybrid token model with a heartbeat mechanism was developed.
Addressing inconsistent heartbeat issues in the system, a mechanism was designed with periodic health probes and graceful transition periods for operational continuity.
Considerations for partition tolerance and network issues were taken into account, with the flexibility to adjust token usage during extreme conditions.
The evolution of JioHotstar's token management mechanism in their IAuth platform showcases their dedication to enhancing security, resiliency, and operational continuity in S2S communication.
The article highlights the journey from static tokens to dynamic tokens and the subsequent development of a sophisticated hybrid model to fortify the service ecosystem against potential attacks.
Constant innovation and deep understanding of failure points are emphasized for securing distributed systems, with the IAuth solution being flexible and robust in safeguarding interactions across complex service landscapes.
The importance of adapting defenses against evolving threats to S2S communications is underscored, with a call for discussions on effective strategies for protecting critical services from internal vulnerabilities.