How to Implement Google Two Factor Authentication Login in PHP

Have you set up two-step authentication for your Google account? If not, I fervently urge you to. Do you know what kind of code Google Authenticator generates? No urban legends are involved here; this is only an RFC6238 implementation. Additionally, you don't need to employ an obscene security library from a third party to add a new degree of protection to your website quickly.

Using your login is one of the simplest methods for hackers to access your website. Why is that so? Most people log in with just one step. Users can access a website by entering a username and password using the standard one-step login method. Anyone who knows their username and password or can figure them out can log in. User names are simple to uncover, and passwords are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Once someone has your login information, they may access the same resources as you.

Hackers have various techniques to obtain your passwords:

Using the same password across numerous websitesIf you choose to open dubious links in email messagesIf you use online software that incorporates a password-capture component

Many websites increase security by limiting the number of login attempts or using a CAPTCHA (for robots) (for brute force attacks). It is beneficial, but there is one flaw: they don't prevent hackers from learning your password, which is all they require. It is the benefit of two-factor component authentication, often known as two-step verification, which requires two steps to log in.

I'll use PHP in this post, so the server-side may use this code to check the client code. However, nothing prevents you from utilizing a JavaScript or NodeJS OTP creation mechanism.

How does time-based One-time Password work?

Upon successful login, the user receives a popup that displays both a QR code and a code (a set of characters to manually input if the user cannot scan the QR code).

The server produces a secret key to the user once they scan or submit the code.

A message authentication code (HMAC) based method generates a six-digit code utilizing the secret key and the current Unix timestamp.The OTP is a six-digit code that is updated every 30 seconds.

What is Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

By requiring two methods to confirm users' identities, two-factor authentication login in PHP(2FA) enhances access security.

The user should be the only one with the standard password, which is already one authentication element. A user should also have additional security measures like biometrics (fingerprint), speech pattern recognition, or iris scanning, which are pricey but fantastic.

The second component needs to be something consumers don't frequently have or aren't consistent with. One-Time Passwords (OTPs), on which we shall concentrate in this article, are one type of the second factor.

The 2-Step Process

You would start by entering your user name and password as usual. You are then given a code to input as the second authentication stage instead of immediately gaining access to the website. You often receive this code as a text message on your smartphone.

It strengthens the security of your login. However, the authentication code is still required to access your website if hackers discover your login and password.

Several enterprises offer a service for two-step verification. But we are about to discuss Google Authenticator here.

Google 2-Step Verification

Google is supported by two-factor authentication along with other technologies. You may scan the code with your smartphone or tablet by having it appear as a QR code. It enables authentication based on the role you define for the user. It supports many sites. Short codes for the dashboard with custom designs, emergency codes, the requirement for 2-factor authentication after a predetermined amount of time, admin access to switch off/on codes as necessary, and other features are included in the premium version.

You may still utilize the 2-Step authentication if you travel outside of a region without phone coverage by using the USB security key or by downloading and printing a one-time use list of backup codes. Even without an Internet connection, the authentication procedure functions.

You only need to perform 2-Step Verification if you sign out and then back in if you sign in on the same computer. However, anyone logging in using your credentials on another computer must resort to 2-Step Verification.

You can still specify backup phone numbers if your primary phone is unavailable to get your code.

It works so effectively because it necessitates using a device that only you own, either your phone or your USB security key.

Implementing 2-Step Verification

Step 1:

Download the "Authentication" mobile app for scanning the QR Code generated after login or registration.

Step 2:

Your PHP application will generate a scannable QR code which can scan through a mobile phone camera. Also, you can add the profile to the Google Authentication application.

Step 3:

A new code within every 30 seconds will be generated for using the Two Factor Authentication section to the application in PHP.

Step 4:

Create the registration form and a login form for users. Now we can validate users with generated code.We have successfully built a database and now put JS and CSS files into the project directory.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your web account is easy and efficient with Google Two Factor Authentication. It works so effectively because it necessitates using a device that only you own. You can select the characteristics that are most useful to you using the different plugins. It is considerably simpler to use with the security key, which is especially useful when you don't have access to a phone.