Authentication Service Overview

Introduction

Welcome to the Pace Software System's Authentication Service. Our system emphasizes security and user accessibility, offering a broad spectrum of user roles and authentication methods. This service is responsible for verifying users at login, providing access to various features tailored to the user's role(s).

Key Features

1. Secure User Login: We offer a secure login mechanism that allows users to access the system, supporting different authentication methods including username and password or one-time password sent via SMS or email.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): In addition to traditional login methods, we offer MFA options to enhance user security. These include text message, email, or mobile app-based authenticators.
3. Role-Based Access Control: Our system supports role-based access control, ensuring users have access to appropriate resources based on their roles. It supports system administrators, agents, merchants, and other user-defined roles or permission sets.
4. Password Policies: To bolster security, our system enforces password complexity requirements, encourages regular password changes, and implements a lockout policy after multiple failed login attempts.
5. Compliance with Industry Standards: Our system adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the new PCI MPoC standard for mobile payments on commercial off-the-shelf devices.

How It Works

Our Authentication Service works in the following steps:

1. User Registration: Allows users to create an account using their email or phone number.
2. User Authentication: Verifies user login credentials before providing access to the system.
3. Password Management: Provides a forgot password feature, allowing users to reset their password.
4. Account Logout: Provides a mechanism for users to log out of their account securely.

Here's a mermaid.js diagram showing the basic flow:

Technical Aspects

1. Authentication Methods: The service supports email or phone number and password for web application, phone number and password for mobile app, and API Key for API clients. It also supports multi-factor authentication via SMS or email.
2. Session Management: Our system allows users to remain authenticated for a configurable period of time, implementing robust session management.
3. Secure Password Storage: We use industry-standard hashing algorithms such as bcrypt or scrypt for secure password storage.
4. Integration with Other Services: The Authentication Service seamlessly integrates with other system components, such as the API Gateway and authorization service.

Dependencies

Our Authentication Service relies on:

• API Gateway: For routing requests from external clients.
• Data Storage and Retrieval Service: For storing user information such as passwords and authentication tokens.
• Crypto Service: For cryptographic operations such as encryption and decryption.
• User Profile Service: For applying user roles and permissions post-login.
• Reporting Service: For logging and monitoring user authentication events.

Conformance and Support

We ensure our Authentication Service is developed and deployed in a secure and reliable manner that complies with industry standards and regulations. Our service handles high volumes of authentication requests, providing responses within a maximum time of 3 seconds. We also offer support plans for timely resolution of any issues or bugs.

Glossary

API: Application Programming Interface KYC: Know Your Customer MFA: Multi-Factor Authentication