Strengthening Web Application Security through Email Verification and JWT Authentication

by Migena KERI, Malvina NIKLEKAJ

Abstract
Information security remains one of the most critical challenges in web application development, especially as users are increasingly exposed to risks such as unauthorized access and poor credential management. This paper addresses these challenges by designing and implementing a secure web application that integrates email address verification and JSON Web Token (JWT) authentication, combined with a user-friendly interface aimed at strengthening security and raising awareness of good credential management practices.
The system is developed using React on the frontend and Django REST Framework on the backend, connected to a SQL database. Key functionalities include user registration with email verification via Mailtrap, role-based access control, and an administrative panel for account management. Functional testing showed that email verification reduces unauthorized logins, JWT provides consistent and secure session management, while the interface contributes to educating users on the importance of secure practices. The results of the paper prove that combining modern technologies with secure development practices provides not only data protection, but also practical education for users. The main contribution lies in providing an applicable model for strengthening authentication and improving user behavior. In the future, the system can be expanded with multi-factor authentication, password recovery mechanisms, and real-time security analysis.

Key Words: Web Application Security, Email Verification, JSON Web Token (JWT), User Authentication, Django REST Framework.