A guide to magic links: how they work and why you should use them

Magic links provide a passwordless authentication method that enhances user experience while maintaining security. They work by sending a unique token via email, which the user clicks on to verify their identity and gain access to an account. This eliminates the need for remembering complex passwords and reduces the risk of weak or reused passwords. However, magic links have some security implications, such as vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks and dependence on email providers' spam filters. To mitigate these risks, developers can enforce one-time use, set expiration times, and limit access to specific devices or browsers. Overall, magic links offer a convenient and secure alternative for user authentication in various applications, especially those handling non-sensitive data.