Frequently Asked Questions
Implement 2FA by integrating SMS OTP using Node.js with the Fastify framework and the Plivo SMS API. This involves setting up routes for requesting and verifying OTPs, generating secure OTPs, and storing them temporarily in Redis with an expiration time for enhanced security.
Plivo is a cloud communications platform that provides the SMS API for sending OTPs to users' phones as the second factor of authentication. It's chosen for its reliable message delivery and easy-to-use API integration.
Redis, an in-memory data store, is ideal for storing OTPs temporarily due to its speed and automatic expiration feature (TTL). It efficiently handles short-lived data like OTPs, avoiding complex database cleanup processes.
Implement rate limiting for both OTP requests and verifications to protect against brute-force attacks. This prevents attackers from repeatedly trying different OTPs or flooding users with SMS messages (SMS pumping).
No, `Math.random()` isn't cryptographically secure. Use libraries like `otp-generator`, which utilizes Node.js's `crypto` module for stronger randomness suitable for security-sensitive applications.
Obtain your Auth ID, Auth Token, and an SMS-enabled Plivo number from the Plivo Console. Store these securely as environment variables (`PLIVO_AUTH_ID`, `PLIVO_AUTH_TOKEN`, `PLIVO_SENDER_NUMBER`) and use them to initialize the Plivo Node.js SDK in your application.
Fastify schemas perform request validation before reaching your core logic. This enhances security by blocking malformed requests and potential injection attempts. Schemas also implicitly document the API.
The system uses try-catch blocks, logging, and Fastify schemas for handling errors. Schemas handle validation errors (400 Bad Request), and try-catch blocks within services and routes manage service-specific and unexpected errors (500 Internal Server Error).
The architecture involves a user interacting with a Fastify API. The API generates an OTP, stores it in Redis, and uses Plivo to send it via SMS to the user. Verification happens against the Redis-stored OTP.
Fastify is a high-performance Node.js web framework chosen for speed and extensibility. It features built-in schema validation and a developer-friendly API, contributing to efficient and maintainable code.
Request an OTP by sending a POST request to the `/request-otp` endpoint with the user's phone number. Verify the received OTP with a POST request to `/verify-otp`, including the phone number and OTP.
OTPs are stored temporarily in Redis with a short Time-To-Live (TTL). This provides fast access and automatic deletion after expiration, ensuring they don't persist longer than necessary.
You need Node.js and npm (or yarn), a terminal, a Plivo account with API credentials, a running Redis server, and basic knowledge of Node.js, APIs, and asynchronous programming.
This project leverages Node.js, Fastify, Plivo, Redis, the `otp-generator` library, and environment variable management tools like `dotenv` or `@fastify/env`.
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