How to Implement Multi-Factor Authentication in NodeJS Applications

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires users to provide two or more authentication factors to verify their identity. In this tutorial, we will explore how to implement multi-factor authentication in NodeJS applications using the TOTP algorithm.

Setting Up TOTP-Based MFA

TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) is a widely-used algorithm for implementing MFA. It generates a unique one-time password (OTP) for the user, which expires after a short period of time. Here are the steps to set up TOTP-based MFA in your NodeJS application:

1. Install the speakeasy package, which is a library for generating and validating TOTP-based one-time passwords:

npm install speakeasy

2. Generate a secret key for the user, which will be used to generate the one-time passwords:

const speakeasy = require('speakeasy');

const secret = speakeasy.generateSecret({length: 20}).base32;

3. Send the secret key to the user and ask them to set up MFA in their account. You can use a QR code or a manual entry form to facilitate this step:

const qr = speakeasy.otpauthURL({secret: secret, label: 'My App'});
// Use qr code or display manual entry form to user

4. When the user sets up MFA in their account, store their secret key securely in your application:

// Store secret key for user in database

5. When the user logs in, ask them to provide the one-time password generated by their authenticator app:

const token = req.body.token; // User's one-time password
const verified = speakeasy.totp.verify({
    secret: user.secret,
    encoding: 'base32',
    token: token
});
if (verified) {
    // User is authenticated
} else {
    // Authentication failed
}

n the above example, we use the verify method from the speakeasy library to verify the user's one-time password. If the verification is successful, the user is authenticated.

Conclusion

MFA provides an additional layer of security to your NodeJS application by requiring users to provide multiple authentication factors. TOTP-based MFA is a popular and widely-used method for implementing MFA in web applications. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily set up TOTP-based MFA in your NodeJS application and enhance its security.