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Overview

VChata provides a complete authentication system with secure login, registration, password management, and account verification features. All authentication pages are designed with security best practices and user experience in mind.

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Authentication Routes

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Login

Route: /auth/login Secure login page with email/password authentication and optional social login integration.

Secure Authentication

Industry-standard security with JWT tokens and encryption

Social Login

Integration with Google, GitHub, and other social providers
Features:
  • Email and password authentication
  • Social login integration (Google, GitHub, Microsoft)
  • Remember me functionality
  • Two-factor authentication support
  • Account lockout protection
  • Password strength validation

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Registration

Route: /auth/register User registration with email verification and profile setup.

Email Verification

Automatic email verification for new accounts

Profile Setup

Guided profile creation with validation
Features:
  • Email verification requirement
  • Password strength requirements
  • Terms of service acceptance
  • Profile information collection
  • Duplicate account prevention
  • Welcome email automation

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Onboarding

Route: /auth/onboarding Guided onboarding process for new users to set up their accounts and preferences.

Step-by-Step Setup

Guided process for account configuration

Personalization

Customize preferences and initial settings
Features:
  • Multi-step onboarding flow
  • Account preferences setup
  • Initial configuration guidance
  • Tutorial and help content
  • Skip options for experienced users
  • Progress tracking and saving

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Forgot Password

Route: /auth/forgot-password Secure password reset process with email verification.

Email Verification

Secure password reset via email verification

Rate Limiting

Protection against brute force attacks
Features:
  • Email-based password reset
  • Secure token generation
  • Rate limiting and abuse prevention
  • Clear instructions and feedback
  • Expiration time for reset links
  • Audit logging for security

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Reset Password

Route: /auth/reset-password Password reset confirmation page with new password creation.

Secure Reset

Validated password reset with security checks

Password Validation

Real-time password strength validation
Features:
  • Token validation and verification
  • Password strength requirements
  • Confirmation password matching
  • Security recommendations
  • Automatic login after reset
  • Session invalidation for security

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Check Mail

Route: /auth/check-mail Email verification confirmation page with resend functionality.

Email Confirmation

Clear instructions for email verification

Resend Options

Resend verification emails with rate limiting
Features:
  • Clear verification instructions
  • Resend email functionality
  • Rate limiting for resend requests
  • Alternative contact options
  • Progress indicators
  • Help and support links

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Code Verification

Route: /auth/code-verification Two-factor authentication and verification code entry.

2FA Support

Two-factor authentication with SMS or app codes

Backup Codes

Backup verification codes for account recovery
Features:
  • SMS and authenticator app support
  • Backup code generation
  • Time-based code validation
  • Resend code functionality
  • Security recommendations
  • Account recovery options

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Callback

Route: /auth/callback OAuth callback handler for social login and external authentication providers.

OAuth Integration

Handle OAuth callbacks from external providers

Account Linking

Link external accounts with existing profiles
Features:
  • OAuth provider integration
  • Account linking and merging
  • Error handling and recovery
  • Security validation
  • User redirection
  • Session management

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Authentication Flow

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Registration Flow

1

User Registration

User enters email, password, and basic information
2

Email Verification

System sends verification email with secure token
3

Account Activation

User clicks verification link to activate account
4

Onboarding Process

Guided setup of preferences and initial configuration
5

Account Ready

User gains full access to application features

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Login Flow

1

Credentials Entry

User enters email and password
2

Authentication

System validates credentials and security checks
3

Two-Factor (Optional)

Additional verification if 2FA is enabled
4

Session Creation

Secure session and JWT token generation
5

Access Granted

User redirected to dashboard or intended destination

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Security Features

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Password Security

  • Minimum 8 characters with mixed case
  • At least one number and special character
  • No common passwords or dictionary words
  • No personal information or repeated characters
  • Regular password strength validation
  • Rate limiting for login attempts
  • Account lockout after failed attempts
  • Suspicious activity detection
  • IP-based security monitoring
  • Session timeout and management
  • Passwords hashed with bcrypt
  • JWT tokens with secure signing
  • HTTPS encryption for all communications
  • Secure cookie handling
  • Regular security audits and updates

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Two-Factor Authentication

SMS Verification

Receive verification codes via SMS

Authenticator Apps

Support for Google Authenticator, Authy, and similar apps
2FA Setup Process:
  1. Enable 2FA in account settings
  2. Choose verification method (SMS or app)
  3. Scan QR code or enter phone number
  4. Verify with test code
  5. Save backup codes securely

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Configuration

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Basic Setup

const authConfig = {
  // JWT Configuration
  jwt: {
    secret: process.env.JWT_SECRET,
    expiresIn: '24h',
    refreshExpiresIn: '7d',
  },
  
  // Password Requirements
  password: {
    minLength: 8,
    requireUppercase: true,
    requireLowercase: true,
    requireNumbers: true,
    requireSpecialChars: true,
  },
  
  // Rate Limiting
  rateLimit: {
    login: { max: 5, window: '15m' },
    register: { max: 3, window: '1h' },
    resetPassword: { max: 3, window: '1h' },
  },
  
  // Social Login Providers
  providers: {
    google: {
      clientId: process.env.GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID,
      clientSecret: process.env.GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET,
    },
    github: {
      clientId: process.env.GITHUB_CLIENT_ID,
      clientSecret: process.env.GITHUB_CLIENT_SECRET,
    },
  },
};

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Best Practices

  • Always use HTTPS for authentication pages
  • Implement proper session management and timeout
  • Use secure, random tokens for password resets
  • Regularly audit and update authentication systems
  • Monitor for suspicious activity and implement alerts
  • Keep authentication libraries and dependencies updated
  • Provide clear error messages and instructions
  • Implement progressive disclosure for complex flows
  • Offer multiple authentication methods when possible
  • Provide helpful guidance and support resources
  • Ensure accessibility compliance for all users
  • Test authentication flows across different devices
  • Follow GDPR requirements for data protection
  • Implement proper consent mechanisms
  • Maintain audit logs for security compliance
  • Provide data export and deletion capabilities
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
  • Regular security assessments and penetration testing

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Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

  • Verify email and password are correct
  • Check if account is locked or suspended
  • Ensure 2FA codes are entered correctly and are current
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Check for CAPTCHA requirements
  • Verify account email verification status
  • Ensure email address is valid and not already registered
  • Check password meets all requirements
  • Verify email verification was completed
  • Check spam folder for verification emails
  • Ensure terms of service were accepted
  • Contact support if verification email is not received
  • Check email address is correct and registered
  • Verify reset email was received and not expired
  • Ensure new password meets requirements
  • Clear browser cache if reset link doesn’t work
  • Check if account is locked or suspended
  • Try requesting new reset email if current one expired