Implementing SIWE with WalletConnect's AppKit in Next.js

Web3 authentication is evolving, and Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) is leading the charge. 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 through a cryptographic signature. WalletConnect's AppKit simplifies this process with its "One-Click Auth" feature, enhancing both security and user experience.

Implementation Steps

Set up: Install necessary dependencies:

   yarn add @web3modal/siwe next-auth

Configure SIWE Client: Create a SIWE client configuration file to handle message parameters, nonce generation, and session management.
Set Up API Route: Implement a NextAuth handler to manage authentication, verifying signatures and creating sessions using JWT tokens.
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.

Read this article for more details about the steps aforementioned.

Benefits

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

By implementing SIWE with WalletConnect's AppKit, developers can create secure, user-friendly decentralized applications that leverage the power of Web3 authentication.