How to Build an Automated Password Change Reminder System

Simple Summary

An automated password change reminder system that enhances security by prompting users to update their passwords regularly, with customizable settings and user-friendly notifications.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

• Create a user-friendly system for automated password change reminders
• Enhance digital security by encouraging regular password updates
• Provide customizable reminder settings for different user preferences

Target Audience:

• Individual users concerned about online security
• Organizations looking to implement better password management practices

Key Features:

1. User registration and authentication
2. Customizable password change intervals
3. Multi-channel notifications (email, SMS, push notifications)
4. Password strength checker
5. Password change history tracking
6. Integration with popular password managers
7. Admin dashboard for organizational use

User Requirements:

• Easy account creation and login process
• Intuitive interface for setting reminder preferences
• Clear, actionable notifications
• Ability to track password change history
• Option to snooze or dismiss reminders
• Support for multiple accounts/services

User Flows

1. User Registration and Setup:

   • User signs up for an account
   • Completes profile information
   • Sets initial password change preferences
   • Adds accounts/services to be monitored

2. Receiving and Acting on Reminders:

   • User receives notification to change password
   • Clicks on notification to open app/website
   • Follows prompt to change password on relevant service
   • Confirms password change in the system

3. Managing Settings:

   • User logs into account
   • Navigates to settings page
   • Adjusts reminder frequency, notification methods, or account list
   • Saves new preferences

Technical Specifications

Frontend:

• React for building the user interface
• Redux for state management
• Material-UI for consistent design components

Backend:

• Node.js with Express.js for the server
• PostgreSQL for the database
• JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication
• Nodemailer for email notifications
• Twilio for SMS notifications

APIs and Services:

• Integration with popular password managers (LastPass, 1Password)
• HIBP (Have I Been Pwned) API for password security checks

Security:

• HTTPS for all communications
• bcrypt for password hashing
• Rate limiting to prevent brute force attacks

API Endpoints

• POST /api/auth/register
• POST /api/auth/login
• GET /api/user/profile
• PUT /api/user/profile
• GET /api/reminders
• POST /api/reminders
• PUT /api/reminders/:id
• DELETE /api/reminders/:id
• GET /api/password-history
• POST /api/password-check

Database Schema

Users Table:

• id (PK)
• email
• hashed_password
• created_at
• updated_at

Reminders Table:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• service_name
• last_changed
• next_reminder
• interval_days

PasswordHistory Table:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• service_name
• changed_at

Notifications Table:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• type (email, sms, push)
• status
• sent_at

File Structure

Implementation Plan

1. Project Setup (1-2 days)

   • Initialize Git repository
   • Set up React frontend with Create React App
   • Set up Node.js backend with Express
   • Configure PostgreSQL database

2. User Authentication (3-4 days)

   • Implement registration and login endpoints
   • Create frontend forms for signup and login
   • Set up JWT authentication

3. Core Reminder Functionality (5-7 days)

   • Develop reminder creation and management API
   • Build frontend interface for setting reminders
   • Implement notification system (email, SMS)

4. Password Management Features (4-5 days)

   • Create password strength checker
   • Implement password history tracking
   • Integrate with external password manager APIs

5. User Dashboard and Settings (3-4 days)

   • Design and implement user dashboard
   • Create settings page for customizing preferences

6. Admin Features (if applicable) (3-4 days)

   • Develop admin dashboard for user management
   • Implement organization-wide settings

7. Testing and Refinement (4-5 days)

   • Conduct thorough testing of all features
   • Fix bugs and optimize performance

8. Documentation and Deployment Prep (2-3 days)

   • Write user documentation
   • Prepare deployment scripts and configurations

Deployment Strategy

1. Set up staging and production environments on a cloud platform (e.g., AWS, Heroku)
2. Configure CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions or GitLab CI
3. Set up automated database backups and monitoring
4. Implement logging and error tracking (e.g., Sentry)
5. Configure SSL certificates for secure connections
6. Perform load testing to ensure scalability
7. Deploy to staging for final testing
8. Roll out to production with a canary release strategy
9. Set up uptime monitoring and alerts

Design Rationale

The design focuses on creating a secure, user-friendly system that encourages regular password updates. React was chosen for the frontend due to its component-based architecture, which allows for easy maintenance and scalability. Node.js and Express provide a robust backend that can handle asynchronous operations efficiently.

PostgreSQL was selected as the database for its reliability and support for complex queries, which will be useful for tracking password histories and managing reminders. The use of JWT for authentication provides a stateless, scalable solution for user sessions.

The multi-channel notification system (email, SMS, push) ensures users receive reminders through their preferred method, increasing the likelihood of action. Integration with popular password managers adds convenience for users who already use these tools.

The file structure separates concerns clearly, making the codebase easy to navigate and maintain. The deployment strategy prioritizes security and scalability, with continuous integration ensuring rapid, reliable updates to the system.