User Authentication Guide

1. Navigate to Registration Page
- Click "Sign Up" from the homepage
- Or navigate directly to /register

2. Provide Basic Information
- Email address (will be your username)
- Password (minimum 8 characters, must include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character)
- Company name
- Phone number (optional but recommended)

3. Email Verification
- Check your email for verification link
- Click the link to verify your email address
- Link expires after 24 hours

4. Complete Profile Setup
- Fill in company details
- Set up notification preferences
- Configure security settings

Email Requirements
- Must be a valid email format
- Cannot already be registered
- Must be accessible for verification

Password Requirements
- Minimum 8 characters
- At least one uppercase letter
- At least one lowercase letter
- At least one number
- At least one special character (!@#$%^&*)

Company Information
- Legal company name
- Registration number (if applicable)
- Industry classification
- Contact information

1. Navigate to Login Page
- Click "Login" from any page
- Or navigate directly to /login

2. Enter Credentials
- Email address (username)
- Password

3. Two-Factor Authentication (if enabled)
- Enter 6-digit code from authenticator app
- Or click verification link sent to email

4. Access Dashboard
- Redirected to user dashboard
- Session lasts 24 hours by default

Remember Me
- Extends session to 7 days
- Only use on personal devices
- Not recommended on shared computers

Social Login (if available)
- Google authentication
- LinkedIn authentication
- Microsoft authentication

1. Forgot Password Link
- Click "Forgot Password?" on login page
- Enter your email address
- Check email for reset link

2. Reset Process
- Click reset link (expires in 1 hour)
- Enter new password twice
- Must meet password requirements

3. Confirmation
- Receive email confirmation
- All sessions are logged out
- Must login with new password

While Logged In
1. Go to Settings → Security
2. Click "Change Password"
3. Enter current password
4. Enter new password twice
5. Save changes

Password History
- Cannot reuse last 5 passwords
- Passwords expire after 90 days (optional setting)
- Must wait 24 hours between changes

1. Enable 2FA
- Go to Settings → Security
- Toggle "Two-Factor Authentication"
- Choose authentication method

2. Authenticator App Method
- Download authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
- Scan QR code provided
- Enter 6-digit code to verify

3. SMS Method
- Verify phone number
- Enter code sent via SMS
- Save backup codes

Regular Login
1. Enter email and password
2. Enter 6-digit code from authenticator app
3. Click "Verify" to complete login

Backup Codes
- Generated when setting up 2FA
- Use if phone is unavailable
- Each code can only be used once
- Generate new codes as needed

1. Go to Settings → Security
2. Enter current password
3. Click "Disable 2FA"
4. Confirm action

Password Security
- Use unique passwords for each account
- Don't share passwords with others
- Use password manager for complex passwords
- Change passwords regularly

Device Security
- Log out when finished on shared devices
- Don't save passwords on public computers
- Keep devices updated and secure
- Use antivirus software

Account Monitoring
- Review login history regularly
- Check for unauthorized access
- Report suspicious activity immediately
- Update security settings as needed

Signs of Compromised Account
- Unrecognized login locations
- Changed account settings
- Unfamiliar applications or activity
- Password reset emails you didn't request

Immediate Actions
1. Change password immediately
2. Review and update security settings
3. Check for unauthorized changes
4. Contact support if needed
5. Consider enabling 2FA

Automatic Logout
- 24 hours of inactivity (standard)
- 7 days with "Remember Me" enabled
- Immediate on password change

Active Sessions
- View all active sessions
- See device and location information
- Log out individual sessions
- Log out all sessions at once

Device Recognition
- New devices require email verification
- Trusted devices are remembered
- Can view and manage all devices

Remote Logout
- Log out of specific devices
- Useful for lost or stolen devices
- All devices logged out on password change

Generating API Keys
1. Go to Settings → API Access
2. Click "Generate New API Key"
3. Provide key name and description
4. Set permissions and expiration
5. Save key securely (shown only once)

API Key Security
- Treat like passwords
- Don't share or expose in code
- Use environment variables
- Rotate keys regularly

Third-Party Access
- Grant limited access to applications
- Review and revoke permissions
- Monitor usage and access

"Invalid Email or Password"
- Check for typos in email
- Verify Caps Lock is off
- Try password reset if forgotten
- Check for extra spaces

"Account Locked"
- Too many failed login attempts
- Wait 15 minutes and try again
- Use password reset if needed
- Contact support if persistent

"Email Not Verified"
- Check email for verification link
- Resend verification email
- Check spam/junk folders
- Contact support if email incorrect

"Email Already Registered"
- Use password reset to access account
- Check for existing account
- Contact support if needed

"Password Does Not Meet Requirements"
- Review password requirements
- Use password strength indicator
- Consider using password manager

"Invalid Authentication Code"
- Check time sync on device
- Ensure correct authenticator app
- Try generating new code
- Use backup code if available

"Lost Access to 2FA Device"
- Use backup codes
- Contact support for account recovery
- May require identity verification

Information We Collect
- Email address and password
- Company information
- Usage data and preferences
- Security and access logs

Data Usage
- Account authentication
- Service improvement
- Security monitoring
- Legal compliance

Managing Privacy
- Control data sharing preferences
- Opt out of analytics
- Manage marketing communications
- Request data export or deletion