Yes, in Ory Kratos self-hosted, you can configure different Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL) requirements for session cookie requests and session token requests. This can be achieved by adjusting the configuration in your Kratos configuration file. To implement this setup: 1. For session cookie requests (typically used in browser-based flows), set the

required_aal

to

highest_available

. 2. For session token requests (typically used in API or mobile app scenarios), set the

required_aal

to

aal1

. Here's how you can configure this in your

kratos.yml

file:

yaml session:   whoami:     required_aal: aal1  selfservice:   flows:     settings:       required_aal: highest_available

In this configuration: - The

session.whoami.required_aal: aal1

setting applies to session token requests, allowing access with just the first factor authentication. - The

selfservice.flows.settings.required_aal: highest_available

setting applies to browser-based flows, requiring the highest available authentication level for accessing user settings. This configuration allows you to enforce stricter authentication for browser-based interactions while maintaining a lower authentication requirement for API or mobile app scenarios. For more detailed information on configuring multi-factor authentication in self-hosted Ory Kratos, you can refer to the [Ory Kratos MFA documentation](https://www.ory.sh/docs/kratos/self-hosted/mfa).

The

selfservice.flows.settings.required_aal

configuration primarily applies to the settings flow in Ory Kratos, but its implications can extend beyond just the settings flow. Let me explain in more detail: 1. Settings Flow: The most direct application of this configuration is to the settings flow. When set to

highest_available

, it requires users to authenticate with the highest level of authentication they have available before they can access or modify their account settings. 2. Other Self-Service Flows: While the configuration is named for the settings flow, it can affect other self-service flows as well. According to the [Ory Kratos User Settings & Profile Management Documentation](https://www.ory.sh/docs/kratos/reference/api), this setting can impact how other flows behave when they interact with user settings or require a privileged session. 3. Step-up Authentication: As described in the [Ory Step-up Authentication documentation](https://www.ory.sh/docs/kratos/mfa/step-up-authentication), this setting is part of the broader multi-factor authentication enforcement model. When set to

highest_available

, it enforces a strict model where secured operations always require the highest Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL). 4. Impact on Other Operations: The setting can affect other high-risk operations via self-service endpoints. For example, if a user tries to perform an action that requires elevated privileges, they might be prompted to authenticate with their highest available factor, even if they're not directly in the settings flow. 5. Session Behavior: This setting can influence how sessions are handled when interacting with settings-related operations. If a user's current session doesn't meet the required AAL, they may be prompted to authenticate further before proceeding. It's important to note that while this setting is primarily focused on the settings flow, its effects can be felt across the user's interaction with the system, especially for operations that require elevated privileges or access to sensitive information. For a more comprehensive understanding of how this setting interacts with other configurations and flows, I recommend reviewing the [Ory Kratos MFA documentation](https://www.ory.sh/docs/kratos/self-hosted/mfa) and the [Ory Step-up Authentication guide](https://www.ory.sh/docs/kratos/mfa/step-up-authentication).