Implementing Next.js TOTP 2FA with Twilio Verify and Authy - code-examples -

Frequently Asked Questions

Implement 2FA in Next.js by integrating Twilio Verify's TOTP with the Twilio Authy app. This involves modifying your login flow to require users to verify their identity with a code generated on their Authy-linked device after initial password login. This enhances security by requiring both password and device possession for access.
TOTP 2FA with Twilio Verify is a two-factor authentication method using time-based one-time passwords. Users verify their identity through codes generated by the Twilio Authy app on their registered device, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
Twilio Authy provides a convenient and secure way for users to generate TOTP codes on their mobile devices. This makes it easier to implement 2FA and enhances user experience compared to other methods like email or SMS codes.
Implement TOTP 2FA as soon as possible to protect user accounts. If your Next.js application handles sensitive data or requires a high level of security, integrating 2FA should be a priority during development.
Set up a free MongoDB Atlas account, create a cluster and database user, configure network access (restrict in production), and obtain the connection string. Store the connection string, including username and password, securely as an environment variable (MONGODB_URI).
Add a new user in MongoDB Atlas by navigating to "Security" -> "Database Access", clicking "Add New Database User", providing a username and strong password, and granting the user appropriate read/write permissions.
The `factorSid` is a unique identifier generated by Twilio Verify for each TOTP factor. It's crucial for managing and verifying the user's 2FA configuration. It's stored securely in your database after successful verification.
The `binding.uri` returned by Twilio Verify when creating a new factor is used to generate the QR code displayed to the user. The user scans this QR code with their Authy app to link their device and start generating codes.
Use the `binding.uri` received from Twilio Verify's `createFactor` call. This URI contains all the information needed for the Authy app to register the user's device. A QR code library or service can generate the QR code image for display on your `/account/scan` page.
Call the Twilio Verify API's `verifyNewFactor` function (during initial setup) or `createChallenge` function (during subsequent logins) with the user's identity, factorSid (for challenges), and the entered code. Twilio responds with the verification status.
Store your Twilio Account SID, Auth Token, and Verify Service SID as environment variables in a `.env` file. This keeps sensitive credentials out of your source code and enables configuration for different environments.
The Next.js frontend interacts with the Twilio Verify API through API routes defined in your `pages/api` directory. These routes call helper functions that use the Twilio Node.js helper library to manage factors, challenges, and verification.
The `user.authenticated` flag in your user data indicates whether the user has completed the initial 2FA setup and linked their Authy app. This flag controls the redirection flow after password login.
Implement error handling in your Next.js API routes to catch and map Twilio API errors to user-friendly messages. Provide specific messages for common errors like invalid code format or too many attempts.
The article references a starter project called 'twilio-authy' on GitHub, though the existence and content should be verified. It is important to ensure it matches the assumptions made in the guide before proceeding.