ASP.NET Core 2 Authentication Playbook
Authentication breaches cost organisations millions—and ASP.NET Core 2 demands a different approach than legacy frameworks. This playbook cuts through the noise, teaching you production-ready identity patterns that actually stick. You’ll move from theory to deployable code in under 4 hours.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for backend developers and architects building secure .NET applications who need hands-on authentication patterns without the fluff. The course assumes solid C# fundamentals; if you’re new to .NET entirely, pair this with core language training first.
What This Course Covers
You’ll explore identity fundamentals, user management, and role-based access control (RBAC) within ASP.NET Core 2’s native Identity framework. The course covers practical scenarios: cookie authentication, token-based flows, integrating third-party providers (Google, Microsoft), and securing APIs with JWT. Expect real code examples and architectural decisions that matter in production environments.
Beyond theory, Chris Klug walks you through implementing OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect patterns, managing secrets safely, and debugging authentication failures. You’ll see how to protect sensitive endpoints, handle token refresh cycles, and design authentication flows that scale. The labs use Pluralsight’s sandboxes—no local setup friction.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Backend developers building ASP.NET Core APIs: You need to ship secure authentication without reinventing the wheel. This course gives you battle-tested patterns and the confidence to implement them correctly.
- Solutions architects evaluating identity strategies: Understand ASP.NET Core 2’s authentication capabilities, trade-offs between OAuth/OpenID Connect, and how to advise teams on secure-by-default architecture.
- DevOps and security engineers reviewing .NET applications: Learn what secure ASP.NET Core 2 authentication looks like so you can audit implementations, spot misconfigurations, and enforce compliance.
May not suit:
- Absolute beginners to C# and .NET: This assumes you’re comfortable with C# syntax, HTTP fundamentals, and basic OOP. Start with ASP.NET Core essentials first.
- Frontend-only developers: While understanding backend authentication helps, this is backend-focused. You’ll get more value if you’re building or integrating with APIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ASP.NET Core 2 Authentication Playbook take?
3 hours 49 minutes of video content. Most developers complete it in one or two focused sessions, then spend additional time applying patterns to their own projects.
Do I need ASP.NET Core 2 specifically, or does this apply to newer versions?
Core concepts (Identity framework, OAuth, OpenID Connect) remain consistent across .NET Core 2, 3, and .NET 5+. Syntax and APIs have evolved slightly, but the authentication patterns and decision-making logic transfer directly.
Will I build a complete authentication system from scratch?
You’ll build and configure authentication components in realistic scenarios—user registration, login flows, API protection, and third-party integrations. It’s practical, not a toy project.
What makes Pluralsight’s approach different?
Chris Klug is a Microsoft MVP with real-world .NET experience. Pluralsight vets instructors rigorously (5.5% acceptance rate) and includes hands-on labs in sandboxes—you code alongside the videos, not just watch.
Course by Chris Klug on Pluralsight. Duration: 3h 49m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
