How PDF7 Eliminated Credential Stuffing and Scaled to 1M Users with Zero-Store Authentication
Privacy-first PDF platform achieves 100x growth with zero security incidents and 60% security budget reduction using MojoShield
Executive Summary
PDF7, a privacy-focused online PDF toolkit serving users across 100 countries, partnered with MojoAuth in June 2024 to implement MojoShield Zero-Store authentication. By moving users to passwordless methods and retiring its own password database, PDF7 scaled from 10,000 to 1 million users while achieving zero security incidents, eliminating thousands of monthly credential stuffing attempts, and reducing security operations budget by 60%.
100x
User Growth
1M
Active Users
0
Security Incidents
0
Stored Passwords
60%
Security Budget Reduction
100
Countries Served
About PDF7
PDF7 is a privacy-first online PDF toolkit offering 25+ free tools for converting, compressing, merging, splitting, and editing PDF documents. Operating with a zero-data-retention philosophy, PDF7 processes all documents client-side in the user's browser, ensuring complete privacy and confidentiality for sensitive documents.
Platform Overview & Privacy Philosophy
Built on the principle that user privacy is non-negotiable, PDF7 distinguishes itself in the crowded PDF tools market through its commitment to zero server-side document storage. All PDF processing happens directly in the user's browser using client-side JavaScript, meaning documents never transit through PDF7's servers. This architecture makes PDF7 the trusted choice for professionals, enterprises, and individuals handling confidential documents - legal contracts, financial statements, medical records, proprietary business documents, and personal sensitive information.
Serving users across 100 countries, PDF7's global reach demands authentication infrastructure that matches its privacy-first principles. The platform attracts users specifically because it doesn't store their documents - requiring authentication that similarly doesn't store user credentials. This fundamental privacy requirement shaped PDF7's search for an authentication solution that aligned with their zero-store architecture philosophy.
PDF7's user base spans legal professionals preparing court documents, healthcare workers handling HIPAA-protected records, financial advisors processing confidential client statements, government agencies managing classified documents, and everyday users protecting personal privacy. Each segment demands absolute confidentiality - making authentication security just as critical as document processing privacy.
1M
Active Users
25+
Free PDF Tools
100
Countries Served
0
Documents Stored
Client-Side
All Processing
Privacy-First
Core Philosophy
The Security Crisis Before MojoAuth
Thousands of credential stuffing attempts monthly. Multiple account takeovers. Password database creating liability for privacy-first company.
The Security Paradox
PDF7's in-house password authentication system created a fundamental contradiction - promising users complete document privacy while storing password databases that became honeypots for attackers and created catastrophic security risks incompatible with their privacy-first mission.
1. Relentless Credential Stuffing Attacks
Thousands of automated attack attempts every month
As PDF7's user base grew and the platform gained visibility, it became a prime target for credential stuffing campaigns. Attackers used bot networks to test billions of stolen username-password combinations from data breaches against PDF7 accounts. The attacks came in waves - thousands of malicious login attempts per month targeting user accounts. Even with rate limiting and bot detection, the sheer volume overwhelmed defenses. Success rates of 0.5-2% meant hundreds of compromised accounts monthly, requiring immediate investigation, forced password resets, and user notification.
2. Account Takeover Incidents
Multiple successful account compromises despite security measures
Credential stuffing attacks resulted in regular account takeovers. Attackers gained access to legitimate user accounts, potentially accessing document history, saved preferences, and any associated data. For a platform built on privacy promises, each account takeover represented a catastrophic failure. Users chose PDF7 specifically because they trusted the platform with sensitive documents - account compromises fundamentally violated that trust. The security team spent countless hours investigating incidents, communicating with affected users, and implementing reactive security patches.
3. Password Database Liability
Storing hashed passwords contradicted zero-store privacy philosophy
The fundamental contradiction was stark: PDF7 promised users they'd never store documents, yet maintained a database of hashed passwords - a honeypot that attackers constantly targeted. Even with bcrypt hashing, password databases represent liability. If breached, attackers could attempt offline cracking attacks with unlimited computing resources. More philosophically, storing any user data - even hashed passwords - contradicted PDF7's core privacy mission. How could they credibly claim "we don't store anything" while maintaining authentication databases?
4. Security Operations Budget Drain
Significant resources consumed by authentication security monitoring
Defending password-based authentication consumed enormous resources. The security team maintained bot detection systems, monitored failed login attempts, investigated suspicious patterns, responded to account compromises, forced password resets, implemented IP blocking, and handled security incident communications. Security operations budget allocated 40%+ to authentication-related security - resources better invested in platform features and document processing security. For a small team, authentication security was an unsustainable burden.
5. User Friction and Support Burden
Password resets and account lockouts creating friction for privacy-focused users
Ironically, aggressive security measures designed to prevent attacks created user friction. Account lockouts after failed login attempts, forced password resets after suspected compromises, and mandatory complex password requirements frustrated users who valued PDF7 for ease of use. Support tickets for "forgot password," "account locked," and "can't login" consumed support resources while degrading user experience. Users who chose PDF7 for privacy and convenience faced authentication hassles completely misaligned with platform values.
6. Scaling Security Infrastructure
Growing from 10K to target 1M+ users required security infrastructure investment
As PDF7 planned to scale from 10,000 to 1 million+ users, security infrastructure costs would explode. More users meant more credential stuffing attacks (scale linearly), more bot detection complexity, more security monitoring overhead, larger security teams, and more incident response capacity. The in-house password system wasn't architected for this scale. Building enterprise-grade authentication security would require millions in infrastructure investment, security engineering headcount, and ongoing operational costs - completely incompatible with PDF7's lean, efficiency-focused approach.
The MojoAuth Zero-Store Solution
In June 2024, PDF7 implemented MojoAuth's MojoShield Zero-Store authentication - the only solution architecturally aligned with their privacy-first philosophy while eliminating credential stuffing vulnerabilities and scaling to millions of users.
MojoShield Zero-Store: Perfect Privacy Alignment
MojoShield Zero-Store is an opt-in MojoAuth Enterprise capability, enabled per project, that keeps PII off MojoAuth servers. Combined with passwordless methods, PDF7 users have no password to steal or reset - removing the honeypot that traditional password databases create.
For PDF7, this wasn't just a technical feature - it was philosophical alignment. Just as PDF7 processes documents client-side without server storage, MojoShield authenticates users without credential storage. This zero-store architecture eliminates the most critical attack vector: there's no password database to breach, no honeypot for attackers to target, no stored credentials to steal. If attackers compromise authentication servers, they gain nothing - no passwords, no hashes, no PII.
- Zero PII Storage: No passwords, email addresses, or user identifiers stored on authentication servers
- Cryptographic Token-Based: Authentication uses ephemeral cryptographic tokens with no persistent user data
- No Password Database: Eliminates primary attack surface for credential stuffing and data breaches
- Privacy-by-Architecture: Impossible to breach what doesn't exist - fundamental security through data minimization
- GDPR/CCPA Compliant: Minimal data retention automatically satisfies privacy regulations
- Audit-Friendly: Zero-storage architecture simplifies compliance audits and privacy assessments
1. Zero-Store Architecture Match
MojoShield's fundamental design philosophy perfectly matched PDF7's client-side document processing. Both companies believe in data minimization - process locally, store nothing, eliminate attack surfaces. This wasn't just technical compatibility; it was cultural and philosophical alignment. PDF7 could authentically tell users: "We don't store your documents. We don't store your passwords. We store nothing."
2. Credential Stuffing Elimination
Passwordless authentication by definition eliminates credential stuffing. Attackers can't test stolen passwords against accounts that don't use passwords. The thousands of monthly credential stuffing attempts that consumed security resources simply stopped working. Bot networks couldn't brute force, dictionary attack, or credential stuff against one-tap login, Google OAuth, or email OTP. The primary attack vector disappeared overnight.
3. Enterprise-Grade Security at Scale
MojoAuth handled bot detection, rate limiting, fraud prevention, and attack mitigation infrastructure automatically. PDF7 offloaded security operations to MojoAuth's dedicated security team and purpose-built infrastructure. Scaling from 10K to 1M users required zero additional security investment - MojoAuth's multi-tenant infrastructure handled the load seamlessly with the same security guarantees.
4. Global User Experience
With 100 countries of operation, PDF7 needed authentication that worked worldwide. MojoAuth's multiple authentication methods (One Tap Login, Google, Email OTP) provided flexibility for different markets and user preferences. LinkedIn and Microsoft logins served professional users. Planned WhatsApp and Apple login would further expand global accessibility. One authentication infrastructure, global reach.
5. 60% Security Budget Reduction
Eliminating password infrastructure meant eliminating associated costs - no bot detection maintenance, no credential stuffing mitigation, no password reset flows, no security incident response for compromised accounts, no hash algorithm migrations, no password policy enforcement. Security budget could refocus on document processing security and platform innovation rather than authentication defense.
Implemented Authentication Methods
One Tap Login
Platform credential-based authentication enabling returning users to authenticate with a single tap - zero password typing.
Google Login
OAuth 2.0 integration with Google accounts - most popular method for individual users globally.
Email OTP
Time-based one-time passwords delivered via email - universal fallback requiring no social accounts.
LinkedIn Login (Planned)
Social login for professionals who use PDF tools for work.
Apple Login (Planned Q1 2025)
Privacy-focused Sign in with Apple for iOS users, with email relay protecting user privacy.
WhatsApp Login (Planned Q1 2025)
Messaging-based authentication for emerging markets where WhatsApp dominates - critical for global expansion.
One-Week Security Transformation
PDF7's engineering and security teams completed the MojoAuth implementation in just one week, replacing their vulnerable in-house password system with enterprise-grade zero-store authentication while maintaining zero downtime.
Days 1-2: Architecture & Security Planning
Security Assessment & MojoShield Configuration
The security team conducted a comprehensive security architecture review, mapping threat models, attack surfaces, and security requirements. MojoAuth's security architects worked with PDF7 to design the zero-store implementation, configure MojoShield, and establish security monitoring. The team reviewed OAuth provider security configurations, planned credential migration paths, and designed incident response procedures for the new system.
- Threat model analysis and attack surface mapping
- MojoShield Zero-Store architecture configuration
- OAuth provider security setup (Google)
- Email OTP provider configuration with SPF/DKIM
- Security monitoring dashboard setup
- Compliance documentation preparation
Days 3-4: Implementation & Testing
Frontend Integration & Security Testing
Engineers integrated MojoAuth SDKs into PDF7's web application, replacing password login forms with passwordless interfaces. The team implemented security best practices - secure session management, JWT validation, CSRF protection, and rate limiting. Comprehensive security testing covered authentication flows, session hijacking attempts, CSRF attacks, OAuth authorization code attacks, and bot detection evasion attempts.
- MojoAuth JavaScript SDK integration
- Passwordless UI implementation (One Tap Login, Google, Email OTP)
- Secure session management with JWT tokens
- Security header configuration (CSP, HSTS, X-Frame-Options)
- Penetration testing of authentication flows
- Bot detection and rate limiting validation
- User migration planning for existing accounts
Days 5-6: Migration & Monitoring
Production Rollout & Security Monitoring
PDF7 deployed MojoAuth to production using a phased rollout strategy with feature flags. New users immediately experienced passwordless authentication. Existing users received communications explaining new login methods and encouraging migration. The security team monitored authentication logs, failed login attempts, suspicious patterns, and system performance in real-time. By Day 6, 100% of authentication traffic flowed through MojoAuth with zero security incidents.
- Phased production deployment with monitoring
- User communication campaign explaining new authentication
- Existing user migration flows and account linking
- Real-time security monitoring and alerting
- Decommissioning of old password infrastructure
- Security incident response team briefing
Day 7: Validation & Documentation
Security Audit & Compliance Documentation
The team conducted post-deployment security validation, reviewing logs, testing edge cases, and documenting the new architecture for compliance purposes. Security documentation updated to reflect zero-store architecture, eliminating password database references and simplifying compliance narratives. The old password database was securely deleted, completing the transition to zero-store authentication.
- Post-deployment security validation
- Compliance documentation updates (GDPR, CCPA)
- Security architecture documentation
- Secure deletion of old password database
- Security team training on new system
- Incident response playbook updates
Transformational Security & Scale Outcomes
From June 2024 to November 2024: Zero security incidents during 100x user growth
| Metric | Before MojoAuth | After MojoAuth | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Users | 10,000 | 1,000,000 | +100x Growth |
| Credential Stuffing Attempts | Thousands/month | 0 (attacks irrelevant) | -100% |
| Account Takeover Incidents | Multiple monthly | 0 | -100% |
| Stored Passwords | Hashed database | 0 (MojoShield) | Zero Liability |
| Security Operations Budget | Baseline | -60% reduction | Major Savings |
| Security Incidents (Post-Launch) | N/A | 0 | Perfect Record |
| Password Reset Support | Significant burden | 0 (no passwords) | Eliminated |
| Authentication Uptime | Self-managed | 99.99% SLA | Enterprise-Grade |
| Privacy Philosophy Alignment | Contradictory | Perfect Match | Authentic Messaging |
Security Transformation
0
Security incidents since MojoAuth deployment (June - November 2024)
0
Successful credential stuffing attacks (eliminated attack vector entirely)
0
Account takeover incidents (down from multiple monthly)
0
Stored passwords with MojoShield Zero-Store architecture
Operational & Cost Benefits
60%
Reduction in security operations budget (authentication-related costs eliminated)
100%
Elimination of bot detection, rate limiting, and credential stuffing mitigation costs
Zero
Security incident response overhead for compromised accounts
Zero
Password infrastructure maintenance (hashing, reset flows, policy enforcement)
Scale & Growth Achievement
100x
User growth from 10K to 1M during security transformation
100
Countries served with consistent security and authentication experience
99.99%
Authentication system uptime with enterprise SLA guarantees
Seamless
Scale from thousands to millions with zero security architecture changes
Privacy & Compliance
Perfect
Philosophical alignment - zero document storage + zero credential storage
Simplified
GDPR/CCPA compliance with minimal PII retention by design
Authentic
Marketing messaging - "We store nothing" now technically accurate
Audit-Ready
Zero-storage architecture simplifies privacy audits and assessments
Launch Passwordless Authentication in 2 Days
Scale from thousands to millions of users with mobile-first authentication.
"MojoShield's zero-store architecture was the only authentication solution that aligned with our privacy-first philosophy. We went from defending against thousands of credential stuffing attempts monthly to zero - the attack vector simply doesn't exist anymore. Scaling from 10,000 to 1 million users without a single security incident while reducing our security budget by 60% proved that eliminating password storage isn't just more secure - it's more scalable and more cost-effective. For any platform built on privacy promises, storing user passwords is a fundamental contradiction. MojoShield eliminates that contradiction entirely."
PDF7 Security Team
Security Leader, PDF7.app
MojoAuth Security Features Protecting PDF7
PDF7 leverages MojoAuth's comprehensive security architecture to deliver privacy-aligned, enterprise-grade authentication at global scale
MojoShield Zero-Store
Opt-in zero-store (MojoAuth Enterprise) keeps PII off MojoAuth servers, and passwordless users have no password to steal. No PII stored on authentication servers means no honeypot for attackers, no breach liability, and perfect alignment with privacy-first philosophy. Cryptographic token-based authentication without persistent credential storage.
One Tap Login
Device-based authentication enabling returning users to authenticate with a single tap using platform credentials. Eliminates password typing while providing strong authentication through device possession and platform identity verification.
Google OAuth Integration
OAuth 2.0 authentication delegating to Google's enterprise-grade identity infrastructure. Leverages Google's security investments while eliminating PDF7's password storage responsibility. Most popular method for individual users globally.
Email OTP
Time-based one-time passwords delivered via email for users without social accounts. Universal fallback ensuring accessibility while maintaining zero password storage. Branded email templates preserve PDF7's professional aesthetic.
Advanced Bot Detection
Machine learning-powered bot detection automatically identifies and blocks automated attacks, credential stuffing attempts, and distributed bot campaigns. Operates transparently without impacting legitimate users. Managed by MojoAuth security team.
Intelligent Rate Limiting
Adaptive rate limiting prevents brute force attacks while accommodating legitimate high-velocity authentication patterns. Context-aware throttling based on IP reputation, geographic patterns, device fingerprinting, and behavioral analysis.
Global Infrastructure
Multi-region authentication infrastructure ensures low latency worldwide across 100 countries. Distributed architecture provides resilience against regional outages and DDoS attacks. 99.99% uptime SLA with automatic failover.
Security Analytics Dashboard
Real-time security monitoring with comprehensive authentication analytics. Track failed login attempts, suspicious patterns, geographic anomalies, and potential attacks. Actionable insights enable proactive security responses.
Enterprise Session Management
Secure JWT-based session management with configurable expiration and instant revocation capabilities. Stateless tokens eliminate session database overhead while maintaining enterprise-grade security. Cross-device session tracking available.
Compliance-Ready Architecture
Zero-storage design automatically satisfies GDPR, CCPA, and privacy regulation requirements for minimal data retention. Comprehensive audit logs provide forensic capabilities without storing sensitive user data. Simplified compliance narratives.
Scalable Security Infrastructure
Purpose-built for hypergrowth - automatically scales from thousands to millions of users with consistent security guarantees. No infrastructure changes required. MojoAuth's multi-tenant architecture distributes costs efficiently.
Rapid Feature Expansion
Adding Apple Login and WhatsApp authentication requires minimal engineering - configuration changes rather than infrastructure rebuilding. PDF7 can deploy new authentication methods in days to serve diverse global markets.
Looking Forward: Secure Growth to 10M+ Users
With zero-store authentication proven during 100x growth, PDF7 is confidently planning for continued expansion with security architecture that scales infinitely
PDF7's MojoShield implementation established security infrastructure capable of scaling to tens of millions of users without architectural changes, security investments, or operational overhead increases. The zero-store architecture eliminates scaling concerns - there's no password database to partition, no credential hashing to optimize, no security infrastructure to expand. Authentication security scales linearly with MojoAuth's managed infrastructure.
As PDF7 expands authentication methods and enters new markets, MojoAuth's flexible architecture enables rapid deployment of regional authentication preferences without rebuilding security infrastructure. Each new authentication method leverages the same zero-store foundation, maintaining consistent security guarantees regardless of how users authenticate.
Apple Login (Q1 2025)
Sign in with Apple for iOS users with privacy-focused email relay. Particularly popular among privacy-conscious users who value Apple's security reputation - perfect audience alignment for PDF7.
WhatsApp Authentication (Q1 2025)
Messaging-based authentication for emerging markets in India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Middle East where WhatsApp dominates. Critical for international expansion beyond developed markets.
Passkeys / WebAuthn (Q2 2025)
Hardware-backed biometric authentication using the FIDO2/WebAuthn standards. Provides phishing-resistant, credential-less authentication perfectly aligned with zero-store philosophy. Ultimate security and convenience convergence.
Advanced Threat Intelligence
Leveraging MojoAuth's cross-customer threat intelligence to identify emerging attack patterns and proactively block sophisticated threats before they impact PDF7 users.
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Future-proofing authentication against quantum computing threats using ML-DSA (Dilithium) post-quantum signature algorithms. Preparing for cryptographic paradigm shifts before they arrive.
Related Resources
Passwordless at Scale
Learn how MojoAuth delivers passwordless authentication for large consumer brands serving millions of users with post-quantum security.
Developer Documentation
Comprehensive API documentation, SDKs, and integration guides for implementing MojoAuth in hours, not months.
Passwordless Authentication Guide
White paper covering passwordless authentication methods, security benefits, and implementation strategies for modern applications.
More Customer Stories
Read how other companies are scaling authentication, reducing costs, and improving security with MojoAuth.
Eliminate Password Databases with Zero-Store Authentication
Scale securely from thousands to millions of users while reducing security costs by 60% - just like PDF7
Ready to transform your authentication? Talk to sales: sales@mojoauth.com