The network authentication wrapper library (libnaw) is a global, modular authentication library that can be used as a preloadable drop-in to add a layer of authentication to source-restricted software; as an API for including authentication into custom or open source software; or as a library for direct linking into precompiled object files. The use of loadable modules allows libnaw the flexibility to accomplish any sort of authentication desired on a per-rule basis.

NAW is optimized for speed and flexibility. The use of a compiled configuration database enables fast rule matching and dynamic updates. Module caching improves efficiency, while a module flush trigger ensures that module updates remain unobtrusive.

NAW includes a simple, yet flexible C API, and comes bundled with Python language bindings.

More information and available downloads may be found on the libnaw home page.