In this meeting, the State Changer: Screen is seeking help in implementing two-factor authentication for a client project. They express uncertainties and confusion about how to ensure the security of the authentication process. The State Changer: Screen mentions a YouTube video they watched regarding the implementation by Zeno. However, they find the method used in the video to be unconventional and not fully comprehensible.
The State Changer: Screen wants to discuss the architecture and understand the security measures behind it. They specifically question how to prevent someone from using the two-factor authentication code entered by another person on a different device. The other participants explain two methods to address this issue. The first method suggested is using a time-based one-time password (TOTP), which means the code is only valid for a limited time period. If it is not used within that time frame, it becomes invalid. The second method involves using both a temporary authentication code and correct credentials to authenticate the user. The State Changer: Screen asks about the workflow with Twilio for sending and verifying authentication codes. The State Changer: Screen is not familiar with Twilio Verify and seeks clarification on how it works. They mention the two endpoints for Twilio Verify: one for sending the code and another for checking the code's validity. The other participants suggest creating an endpoint based on the code instead of the phone number. This enhancement adds an additional layer of security and avoids exposing the user's phone number on the API level. It is suggested to generate a random string (called the ten key) and associate it with the user in the user table. This random string is then sent back to the front end to be used for verification along with the user-entered code. The back end validates the random string and checks the validity of the code using the Twilio Verify endpoint, using the associated phone number. The front end does not have access to the user's direct phone number, enhancing security. The State Changer: Screen asks about implementing additional security measures for timing out the unique ID. It is recommended to consider storing a timestamp in the database to track the expiration of the unique ID. Overall, this meeting provides a clear understanding of how to implement two-factor authentication using a combination of time-based one-time passwords, authentication codes, and Twilio Verify. The participants also suggest additional security measures like timestamping the unique ID to prevent any potential breaches.
(Source: Office Hours 3/6 )
