Authentication at the network edge is crucial for protecting companies from bad actors who attempt to access their networks. There are several types of authentication that allow companies to verify access of both users and devices, including HTTP basic authentication, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect (OIDC), SAML, and mutual TLS. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use depends on the context and requirements of the company. For example, HTTP basic authentication is simple but limited in its ability to protect against attacks, while OAuth 2.0 and OIDC offer more robust security features. SAML is often used by large organizations for enterprise application authentication, while consumer-facing applications may use Customer Identity and Access Management solutions like Auth0. Ultimately, the key to effective authentication is applying it at the network edge before traffic reaches a server or device, eliminating unauthorized access and reducing the attack surface.