Project implementing robust user authentication protocols within an attendance system, prioritizing cybersecurity practices to ensure data integrity and user privacy. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing student attendance, enhancing efficiency and security in attendance management.
-
Cloning the Repository : Start by cloning the project repository to your local machine using Git. This step ensures that you have access to all project files and resources locally.
-
Setting up Local Web Server Environment : To run the project, you need a local web server environment with PHP and MySQL installed. Tools like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP provide pre-configured environments and are easy to set up.
-
Importing the Database : After setting up the local server, import the provided SQL database file (database.sql) into your MySQL database. This file contains the necessary tables and data structures for storing student and attendance records.
-
Configuring Database Credentials : Open the database.php and update_attendance.php files and update the database connection credentials to match your local environment. This step ensures that the PHP scripts can connect to your MySQL database successfully.
-
Starting the Local Server : Start your local server environment and navigate to the project directory using your web browser. Ensure that the project files are accessible via the server's URL.
-
Accessing the System : Once the server is running, access the Secure_Authenticator system through your web browser by entering the appropriate URL. You should be directed to the login page, where you can authenticate yourself to access the user dashboard. (e.g., http://localhost/secure_authenticator)
The Secure_Authenticator operates on a simple yet effective mechanism :
-
User Authentication : Users must log in using valid credentials (email and password) to access the dashboard. This ensures secure access to attendance records and prevents unauthorized access. Additionally, during registration, users are required to enter an "Authentication Key" which is hashed and securely stored. This key is then used to verify the authenticity of registration, further enhancing security measures and preventing unauthorized registrations.
-
Dashboard : The user dashboard (index.php) serves as the main interface for managing attendance. It displays attendance details for different sections and provides options to toggle attendance and save changes.
-
Login and Registration : The system includes login (login.php) and registration (registration.php) forms for user authentication and account creation, respectively. New users can register for an account, while existing users can log in to access the dashboard.
-
index.php : User dashboard with secure attendance management functionality.
-
login.php : Login form for user authentication.
-
registration.php : Registration form for new user account creation.
-
update_attendance.php : PHP script to update attendance records in the database.
The Secure_Authenticator leverages a variety of technologies and features to deliver its functionality:
-
PHP: Server-side scripting language for dynamic content generation and database interaction. -
MySQL: Relational database management system for storing and querying student and attendance records. -
HTML/CSS/Bootstrap: Front-end technologies for creating a responsive and visually appealing user interface. -
JavaScript: Client-side scripting for implementing interactive features such as toggling attendance without page reload. -
AJAX: Asynchronous requests to update attendance records without refreshing the entire page, enhancing user experience. -
Sessions: User authentication and session management to control access to dashboard features based on login status. -
Password Hashing: Secure storage and verification of user passwords using bcrypt hashing algorithm, ensuring data privacy and security.
The user interface of the Secure_Authenticator prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and responsiveness:
-
Responsive Layout : Built with Bootstrap, the interface adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices, ensuring a consistent user experience.
-
Clear Presentation : Attendance details for each section are presented in a clear and organized manner, facilitating easy understanding and navigation.
-
Intuitive Controls : Intuitive buttons allow users to toggle attendance and save changes with ease, streamlining the attendance management process.