Authentication Overview

User authentication, account access, and password management in SSAdmin

Overview

SSAdmin uses a secure authentication system to protect user data and ensure only authorized personnel can access student and administrative information. This section covers the complete authentication flow including login, account activation, and password management.

Authentication Methods

The application supports the following authentication workflows:

Email and Password Login

Standard authentication for existing users:

  • Enter registered email address
  • Enter password
  • Optional "Remember Me" for extended sessions
  • Secure session management
  • Automatic redirect to dashboard

Use Case: Daily login for administrators who already have active accounts.

Accept Invitation (New Users)

Invitation-based account activation for new team members:

  • Receive email invitation from administrator
  • Click secure invitation link
  • Set initial password
  • Account automatically activated
  • Immediate access granted

Use Case: Onboarding new staff members to SSAdmin.

Password Reset

Self-service password recovery:

  • Request magic link via email
  • Click secure link in email
  • Set new password
  • Automatic sign-in

Use Case: Users who forgot their password or need to change it for security reasons.

Key Features

Secure Authentication

Password Requirements:

  • Minimum 8 characters
  • At least one uppercase letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • Password strength indicator

Security Measures:

  • Encrypted password storage
  • Secure session tokens
  • HTTPS-only transmission
  • Token expiration (1 hour for password reset)
  • Protection against brute force attacks

Session Management

Remember Me Option:

  • Extended session duration
  • Automatic re-login on return visits
  • Secure token storage

Session Security:

  • Automatic timeout after inactivity
  • Secure logout functionality
  • Session validation on each request

Common Workflows

First-Time User

  1. Receive Invitation: Administrator sends invitation email
  2. Access Link: Click invitation link from email
  3. Review Details: Verify name, email, and role
  4. Set Password: Create strong password
  5. Activate Account: Click "Activate Account"
  6. Start Using: Immediately access SSAdmin

Daily Staff Member

  1. Navigate to Login: Go to SSAdmin login page
  2. Enter Credentials: Email and password
  3. Check Remember Me: Optional for convenience
  4. Sign In: Click button to access dashboard
  5. Work: Access administrative features
  6. Sign Out: Log out when finished

Forgotten Password

  1. Attempt Login: Try to sign in but forgot password
  2. Click Link: "Forgot your Password?" link
  3. Enter Email: Provide registered email address
  4. Check Email: Look for magic link email
  5. Click Link: Open link from email
  6. Set Password: Create new password
  7. Complete: Automatic sign-in

Security Best Practices

For Users

Password Security:

  • Use unique, strong passwords
  • Don't share passwords with anyone
  • Change password if compromised
  • Enable "Remember Me" only on personal devices

Account Security:

  • Log out when finished
  • Don't save passwords in browsers on shared computers
  • Report suspicious activity immediately

For Administrators

User Management:

  • Only invite authorized personnel
  • Revoke access when staff leaves
  • Monitor failed login attempts
  • Regular security audits