User Login: Requirements And Acceptance Criteria

Introduction

In today's digital landscape, user authentication is a cornerstone of secure and personalized web applications. The ability for users to log in reliably and securely is paramount for accessing their data and utilizing the full functionality of a platform. This document outlines the requirements and acceptance criteria for implementing a user login feature, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for registered users. Our focus is on delivering a robust login mechanism that not only validates user credentials but also provides a secure and convenient way for users to access their personalized content and projects.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential components of a user login system, covering aspects such as the login form's design and functionality, the generation and secure storage of JWT (JSON Web Token), handling invalid credentials, redirection to the dashboard upon successful login, and the optional but highly beneficial "Remember me" functionality. By addressing each of these elements, we aim to create a login process that is both user-friendly and secure, meeting the needs of our diverse user base. Implementing these features with precision ensures that users can confidently and safely access their accounts, fostering trust and encouraging continued engagement with the platform. The subsequent sections will elaborate on each criterion, providing a detailed roadmap for developers to follow and ensuring a consistent and high-quality implementation.

User Story

As a registered user, I want to log in with my credentials So that I can access my boards and projects

This user story encapsulates the core purpose of the login feature: to enable registered users to access their personalized content and project boards securely. It highlights the user's desire for a straightforward and reliable login process, which is crucial for maintaining user engagement and satisfaction. The user story serves as a guiding principle throughout the development process, ensuring that the login functionality remains focused on the user's needs and expectations. By keeping the user story at the forefront, developers can prioritize tasks and make informed decisions that align with the user's goals. The simplicity of the user story also makes it easy to communicate the purpose of the login feature to stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of the project's objectives. Ultimately, a well-defined user story like this helps to ensure that the login functionality is not only technically sound but also user-centric.

Acceptance Criteria

The acceptance criteria define the specific conditions that must be met for the user login feature to be considered complete and successful. These criteria serve as a checklist for developers and testers, ensuring that all aspects of the login functionality are thoroughly tested and meet the required standards. Each criterion is designed to address a specific aspect of the login process, from the design of the login form to the secure storage of user credentials. By adhering to these criteria, we can ensure that the login feature is not only functional but also secure, user-friendly, and reliable. The following sections provide a detailed explanation of each acceptance criterion, outlining the expected behavior and the steps required to verify its implementation. These criteria are essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of the user login feature, and they play a crucial role in ensuring a positive user experience.

1. Login form with email and password fields

The login form should provide clearly labeled fields for users to enter their email address and password. The email field should be validated to ensure that it follows a standard email format. The password field should be masked to protect the user's credentials from being visible to others. The form should be designed with a clean and intuitive layout, making it easy for users to understand and complete. Accessibility considerations should also be taken into account, ensuring that the form is usable by people with disabilities. This includes providing appropriate labels for screen readers and ensuring that the form is navigable using a keyboard. The design of the login form should also align with the overall branding and style of the application, creating a consistent and professional user experience. The form should be responsive, adapting to different screen sizes and devices. Error messages should be displayed clearly and concisely, providing users with helpful guidance on how to correct any mistakes. Properly implemented email and password fields are crucial for initiating the authentication process and ensuring a smooth login experience.

2. JWT token generated on successful login

Upon successful authentication, the server should generate a JSON Web Token (JWT). This token will serve as a secure means of verifying the user's identity for subsequent requests. The JWT should contain relevant user information, such as the user ID and any roles or permissions associated with the user. The token should be signed using a strong cryptographic algorithm to prevent tampering. The server should also implement a mechanism for refreshing the JWT, allowing users to maintain their session without having to re-enter their credentials frequently. The expiration time of the JWT should be carefully considered, balancing security and user convenience. A shorter expiration time increases security but may require users to log in more often, while a longer expiration time reduces the frequency of logins but increases the risk of token compromise. The process of generating and issuing the JWT should be efficient and secure, minimizing the impact on server performance. Using JWTs ensures a stateless and scalable authentication mechanism, enhancing the overall security and performance of the application.

3. Token stored securely (httpOnly cookie or localStorage)

After the JWT is generated, it must be stored securely on the client-side. The preferred method is to store the token in an httpOnly cookie. This prevents client-side JavaScript from accessing the token, mitigating the risk of cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. If localStorage is used, additional security measures must be implemented to protect the token from unauthorized access. This may include encrypting the token before storing it and implementing strict content security policies (CSP) to prevent XSS attacks. The storage mechanism should be chosen based on the specific security requirements of the application and the sensitivity of the user data. It is crucial to avoid storing the token in plain text in localStorage, as this can expose it to potential security vulnerabilities. Regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that the token storage mechanism remains secure and up-to-date with the latest security best practices. Secure storage of the JWT is paramount to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data.

4. Invalid credentials show error message

If the user enters invalid credentials (e.g., incorrect email or password), the system should display a clear and informative error message. The error message should be specific enough to guide the user in correcting their mistake, but not so detailed that it reveals sensitive information about the system. For example, instead of saying "Incorrect email or password," the message could say "Invalid login credentials." The error message should be displayed prominently on the login form, making it easy for the user to see. The system should also implement rate limiting to prevent brute-force attacks, where attackers try to guess the correct credentials by repeatedly submitting login attempts. The error message should be consistent with the overall design and style of the application, providing a seamless and professional user experience. Proper error handling is essential for guiding users and preventing security vulnerabilities.

5. Successful login redirects to dashboard

Upon successful login, the user should be automatically redirected to their personalized dashboard. The dashboard should provide access to the user's boards, projects, and other relevant content. The redirection should be seamless and occur without any noticeable delay. The dashboard should be designed with a clean and intuitive layout, making it easy for users to navigate and find the information they need. The content displayed on the dashboard should be tailored to the user's role and permissions, ensuring that they only have access to the information they are authorized to see. The redirection process should be secure, preventing any unauthorized access to the dashboard. The dashboard should also be responsive, adapting to different screen sizes and devices. Seamless redirection to the dashboard provides a smooth and efficient user experience, allowing users to quickly access their content and get started with their work.

6. "Remember me" functionality (optional)

The "Remember me" functionality allows users to remain logged in even after closing their browser. This can be implemented by storing a persistent cookie on the user's computer. The cookie should contain a unique token that can be used to re-authenticate the user when they return to the site. The token should be securely generated and stored, using a strong cryptographic algorithm. The "Remember me" functionality should be optional, allowing users to choose whether or not to enable it. When the user logs out, the persistent cookie should be deleted. The implementation of the "Remember me" functionality should be carefully considered, balancing user convenience and security. A longer expiration time for the persistent cookie increases user convenience but also increases the risk of token compromise. Additional security measures, such as IP address verification, can be implemented to mitigate this risk. Implementing "Remember me" can enhance user convenience, but it must be done with careful consideration of security implications.

Priority, Sprint, and Size

• Priority: High
• Sprint: 1
• Size: M

This indicates that the user login feature is of high importance and should be implemented in the first sprint. The size "M" suggests that the feature is of medium complexity and will require a moderate amount of effort to complete. These designations help to prioritize and schedule the development work, ensuring that the most critical features are implemented first. The high priority reflects the importance of user authentication for the overall functionality and security of the application. The sprint assignment indicates that the team is committed to delivering this feature in a timely manner. The size estimate helps to allocate resources and plan the sprint workload effectively. Proper prioritization and estimation are crucial for successful project management and timely delivery of the user login feature.

Conclusion

The user login feature is a critical component of any web application, providing secure access to personalized content and projects. By adhering to the acceptance criteria outlined in this document, developers can ensure that the login process is not only functional but also secure, user-friendly, and reliable. Implementing features such as JWT token generation, secure token storage, error handling for invalid credentials, and seamless redirection to the dashboard are essential for creating a positive user experience and maintaining the integrity of the application. The optional "Remember me" functionality can further enhance user convenience, but it must be implemented with careful consideration of security implications. By prioritizing security and user experience, we can create a login process that fosters trust and encourages continued engagement with the platform. This comprehensive guide serves as a roadmap for developers, providing a clear understanding of the requirements and expectations for the user login feature. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that the login process is a seamless and secure experience for all users.

For more information on web security best practices, visit OWASP.