JWT Encoder
Encode your JWT quickly and securely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a JWT (JSON Web Token)?
A JWT is a compact, URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between two parties. It's commonly used for authentication and information exchange.
What are the components of a JWT?
A JWT consists of three parts separated by dots (.): Header, Payload, and Signature. The header and payload are JSON objects.
How does a JWT work?
A JWT is issued by a server upon successful authentication. The client then sends this token with subsequent requests. The server verifies the token's signature to ensure its integrity and authenticity.
What are JWTs commonly used for?
JWTs are primarily used for authorization (e.g., verifying user access rights) and secure information exchange between parties, like passing user identity.
Are JWTs secure?
JWTs are secure when implemented correctly. The signature ensures data integrity, and using HTTPS prevents interception. The secret key must be kept confidential.
What is a JWT secret key used for?
The secret key is used to sign the JWT, creating the signature. This signature allows verification that the token hasn't been tampered with and, for symmetric algorithms, who issued it.
Can anyone decode a JWT?
Yes, the header and payload of a JWT are typically Base64Url encoded, not encrypted, so they can be easily decoded. However, without the secret key, the signature cannot be verified, meaning any modifications would be detectable.