Basis Access Authentication

Basic access authentication is an HTTP transaction that enables a web browser or client application to request and accept credentials. Prior to transmission, both the username and password are encoded as a scrambled set of base-64 characters. When encoded in this manner, minimal effort is required to translate the encoded text back into it’s regular state. Since many hacking and security tools have the ability to decode these characters “on the fly”, an encrypted connection should always be used to prevent the data from being tampered with or intercepted. Contrary to popular belief, base-64 encoding is not a solid measure of protection. Basic access authentication leaves data exposed in plaintext, easy prey from roaming internet intruders. It only prompts security through obscurity as base-64 characters are simple to decode considering today’s technology. The process of encoding is done solely to avoid the breaking of HTTP protocol.