Single-packet authorization using proof of work

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for single-packet authorization using proof of work are disclosed. An access control service receives, from a client, a single-packet authorization (SPA) request. The (SPA) request comprises output of a proof-of-work task, wherein completion of the proof-of-work task requires computational resources or memory resources of the client. The access control service performs verification of the output of the proof-of-work task using fewer computational or memory resources of the access control service than were used by the client. In response to determining that verification of the output of the proof-of-work task succeeds, the access control service performs authentication of the SPA request. In response to determining that authentication of the SPA request succeeds, the access control service allows access by the client device to a service.