Web3 authentication is evolving and Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) is leading the way. This article explores how to implement SIWE in a Next.js application using WalletConnect’s AppKit, focusing on the “One Click Auth” feature and securing API routes with JWT tokens.

Understanding SIWE and AppKit

Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) is a standardized authentication method (EIP-4361) that allows users to prove ownership of their Ethereum address via a cryptographic signature. WalletConnect’s AppKit simplifies this process with its “One-Click Auth” feature, improving both security and user experience.

Implementation steps

1. To set up: Install the required dependencies:

   yarn add @web3modal/siwe next-auth

1. Configure SIWE client: Create a SIWE client configuration file to handle message parameters, nonce generation, and session management.

2. Set up API route: Implement a NextAuth handler to manage authentication, verify signatures, and create sessions using JWT tokens.

3. Secure API Routes: Use a Next.js middleware to protect specified routes, requiring authentication for access and passing the user’s wallet address to API routes.

For more information about the steps mentioned above, read this article.

Advantages

• Enhanced security through cryptographic signatures
• Improved user experience with one-click authentication
• Seamless integration with Next.js applications
• Robust API route security using JWT tokens

By implementing SIWE with WalletConnect’s AppKit, developers can create secure, easy-to-use decentralized applications that leverage the power of Web3 authentication.