This is the best practice recommendation for the order of priority when applications authenticate to Snowflake, according to the Snowflake documentation and the web search results. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or application that connects to Snowflake. Snowflake supports multiple authentication methods, each with different advantages and disadvantages. The recommended order of priority is based on the following factors:
Security: The authentication method should provide a high level of security and protection against unauthorized access or data breaches. The authentication method should also support multi-factor authentication (MFA) or single sign-on (SSO) for additional security.
Convenience: The authentication method should provide a smooth and easy user experience, without requiring complex or manual steps. The authentication method should also support seamless integration with external identity providers or applications.
Flexibility: The authentication method should provide a range of options and features to suit different use cases and scenarios. The authentication method should also support customization and configuration to meet specific requirements.
Based on these factors, the recommended order of priority is:
OAuth (either Snowflake OAuth or External OAuth): OAuth is an open standard for authorization that allows applications to access Snowflake resources on behalf of a user, without exposing the user’s credentials. OAuth provides a high level of security, convenience, and flexibility, as it supports MFA, SSO, token-based authentication, and various grant types and scopes. OAuth can be implemented using either Snowflake OAuth or External OAuth, depending on the identity provider and the application12.
External browser: External browser is an authentication method that allows users to log in to Snowflake using a web browser and an external identity provider, such as Okta, Azure AD, or Ping Identity. External browser provides a high level of security and convenience, as it supports MFA, SSO, and federated authentication. External browser also provides a consistent user interface and experience across different platforms and devices34.
Okta native authentication: Okta native authentication is an authentication method that allows users to log in to Snowflake using Okta as the identity provider, without using a web browser. Okta native authentication provides a high level of security and convenience, as it supports MFA, SSO, and federated authentication. Okta native authentication also provides a native user interface and experience for Okta users, and supports various Okta features, such as password policies and user management56.
Key Pair Authentication: Key Pair Authentication is an authentication method that allows users to log in to Snowflake using a public-private key pair, without using a password. Key Pair Authentication provides a high level of security, as it relies on asymmetric encryption and digital signatures. Key Pair Authentication also provides a flexible and customizable authentication option, as it supports various key formats, algorithms, and expiration times. Key Pair Authentication is mostly used for service account users, such as applications or scripts that connect to Snowflake programmatically7 .
Password: Password is the simplest and most basic authentication method that allows users to log in to Snowflake using a username and password. Password provides a low level of security, as it relies on symmetric encryption and is vulnerable to brute force attacks or phishing. Password also provides a low level of convenience and flexibility, as it requires manual input and management, and does not support MFA or SSO. Password is the least recommended authentication method, and should be used only as a last resort or for testing purposes .
References:
Snowflake Documentation: Snowflake OAuth
Snowflake Documentation: External OAuth
Snowflake Documentation: External Browser Authentication
Snowflake Blog: How to Use External Browser Authentication with Snowflake
Snowflake Documentation: Okta Native Authentication
Snowflake Blog: How to Use Okta Native Authentication with Snowflake
Snowflake Documentation: Key Pair Authentication
[Snowflake Blog: How to Use Key Pair Authentication with Snowflake]
[Snowflake Documentation: Password Authentication]
[Snowflake Blog: How to Use Password Authentication with Snowflake]
