Enhance Authentication Flow and Security

[Drago-03]

Issue: Enhance Authentication Flow and Security

Description

The current authentication system has several usability and security issues. It lacks proper session management, has an incomplete implementation of multi-factor authentication, and doesn't provide sufficient security for password reset flows. The authentication UI also has inconsistent styling and behavior across different parts of the application.

Current Implementation Issues

• Incomplete multi-factor authentication implementation
• Password reset flow lacks proper expiration and validation
• Google OAuth integration creates duplicate accounts in some cases
• Session timeout handling is inconsistent
• No support for passwordless authentication options
• Authentication errors lack clear user guidance
• Token refresh mechanism fails in certain edge cases
• No account recovery options beyond email
• Sign-up form validation is inconsistent
• Authentication state management is inefficient

Proposed Solution

Implement a comprehensive authentication enhancement that:

• Completes multi-factor authentication implementation
• Improves password reset security and usability
• Fixes OAuth integration issues
• Standardizes session management
• Adds passwordless authentication options
• Improves error handling and user guidance
• Enhances token refresh mechanism
• Provides additional account recovery options
• Standardizes form validation
• Optimizes authentication state management

Implementation Requirements

• Complete the MFA implementation with multiple options (SMS, authenticator app)
• Redesign password reset flow with proper expiration and security
• Fix Google OAuth account linking and duplicate prevention
• Implement consistent session timeout handling and notifications
• Add support for magic link and/or WebAuthn authentication
• Create standardized authentication error messages with clear user guidance
• Improve token refresh to handle all edge cases
• Add alternative account recovery methods
• Standardize form validation across all authentication forms
• Optimize authentication state management in frontend

Acceptance Criteria

• MFA works seamlessly with multiple second-factor options
• Password reset links expire appropriately and are secure
• No duplicate accounts are created during OAuth sign-in
• Users are properly notified before session expiration
• Passwordless authentication options are available
• Authentication errors provide clear guidance to users
• Token refresh works reliably in all tested scenarios
• Users have multiple options for account recovery
• All authentication forms have consistent validation
• Authentication state management is optimized for performance

Additional Notes

Security enhancements should be carefully tested to ensure they don't introduce new vulnerabilities. Consider implementing a staged rollout of new authentication features to minimize disruption to existing users.