NFC Application

Scope of Project: Multi-Tenant NFC-Based Authentication System Project Overview We are seeking a developer to build a secure, multi-tenant NFC-based authentication system. This platform will allow businesses to encode NFC tags onto products, enabling end users to scan the tags and verify authenticity via a web-based interface. Each business (tenant) will have its own dashboard, branded verification page, and isolated data storage. Key Requirements 1. Multi-Tenant Functionality • Ability to register multiple businesses/organizations as tenants. • Each tenant has its own admin dashboard to manage NFC-authenticated items. • Data isolation: Tenants can only access their own records. • Role-based access control (e.g., Tenant Admin, Staff Users). • Custom branding per tenant (logos, colors, and subdomains like [login to view URL]). Choose NFC Tags – Order NTAG213, NTAG215, NTAG424 DNA (for encryption), or tamper-proof NFC stickers. 2. NFC Tag Functionality • Ability to program and encode NFC tags with unique, non-replicable data. • Tags should be read-only after encoding to prevent tampering. • Each scan retrieves and verifies authenticity data from a secure database. 3. User Interaction & Verification • End users scan NFC tags with their smartphone (native NFC support on iOS & Android). • Upon scanning, users are directed to a tenant-branded verification page. • The page displays authentication details such as a unique identifier, verification status, and additional metadata. 4. Secure Backend & Database • Multi-tenant database architecture (either shared DB with tenant IDs or separate DBs per tenant). • Secure storage of item records, unique NFC tag data, and verification logs. • Admin access to add, update, and deactivate authentication records. • API/webhook support for potential integrations. . Simple Audit Log/Report of Each Tag Activation 5. Security & Compliance • Encryption & hashing for NFC tag data storage and transmission. • Rate limiting to prevent automated scanning abuse. • Audit logs for admin and user actions. • Secure authentication via JWT or OAuth. 6. Admin Dashboard (Web-Based) • User-friendly interface for tenants to manage authenticated items. • Batch upload of records for NFC tag assignments. • Search and filter functionality for tracking verification history. 7. Subscription & Billing (Optional, but Preferred) • Free & paid tiers (e.g., limited scans for free users, unlimited for paid users). • Integration with Stripe, PayPal, or other payment gateways for subscription management. 8. API Access for Tenants (Optional, but Preferred) • API for businesses to integrate authentication services into their platforms. • API key management with rate limits for security. Project Deliverables • Fully functional MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with multi-tenant NFC authentication. • Web-based admin dashboard for tenant and user management Yes, I can help you build the core components of your NFC authentication system. Here’s a breakdown of what I can provide: Step 1: NFC Tag Setup (All tags are set to be permanent- subsequent changes are unlikely) Each NFC tag will store a unique URL that links to your database for verification. Example NFC URL format: You’ll need to create a simple database with memorabilia details. Fields: Product Name, Time/Date Stamp, Image Upload of Product, Short Notes, Item Type (Configurable Dropdown), Location at time of tag activation. Need to be able to brand tags with a logo. Need help in finding the right tag manufacturer and keep prices low. 1. Core NFC Authentication Features ✅ NFC Tag Encoding & Verification -Encode NFC tags with a unique, non-replicable ID -Ensure tags are read-only after encoding (anti-tampering) -Securely store NFC tag data in the backend -Allow users to scan NFC tags with iOS & Android devices -Redirect users to a verification webpage upon scanning -Display authentication status, unique ID, and metadata ✅ QR Code Alternative (For devices without NFC support) Generate a QR code linked to the NFC tag QR code leads to the same authentication page MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION - ONE OF THESE SOLUTIONS NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED: WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT A HACKER/FRAUDSTER CANNOT LEARN THE URL AND MAKE A NEW TAG WITH IT. BELOW ARE SOME POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS: To prevent duplication or cloning of NFC tags that use a static URL, you need a combination of cryptographic security, dynamic validation, and hardware-level protection. Here’s how to ensure NFC tags cannot be easily replicated: 1. Use NFC Tags with Unique, Secure Chip IDs (UID) Most NFC chips (e.g., NTAG 213, NTAG 216, DESFire, MIFARE, NXP NTAG 424 DNA) have a unique, factory-encoded UID (7-byte or 10-byte). When a tag is scanned, the server validates the UID before verifying authenticity. Attackers cannot clone this UID because it is read-only and cannot be rewritten. ✅ Solution: Store the UID in your database and validate it during scans. ❌ Risk: Some advanced attackers can emulate UID using NFC software, but this is rare. 2. Use NFC Tags with Cryptographic Authentication Advanced NFC chips (NTAG 424 DNA, MIFARE DESFire, or FIDO-based NFC) support AES encryption and dynamic signatures. Every scan generates a one-time-use URL with a cryptographic signature, making duplication impossible. The URL can include an encrypted message or hash that only your server can validate. ✅ Solution: Use NTAG 424 DNA for AES-128 encryption & dynamic authentication. ❌ Risk: More expensive than regular NFC tags but extremely secure. 3. Implement Server-Side Authentication (Tokenized URLs) Instead of embedding a static URL on the NFC tag, generate a unique, temporary token for each scan. The URL could look like this: arduino Copy Edit [login to view URL] The token is validated server-side and can: Expire after one use (prevents replay attacks). Be tied to the NFC chip UID (ensures it’s the original tag). Include a cryptographic signature (HMAC or JWT) to prevent tampering. ✅ Solution: Use JWT (JSON Web Token) or HMAC signatures to validate scans. ❌ Risk: Requires a server backend to generate and validate tokens. 4. Enable Scan Rate Limiting & Suspicious Activity Detection If the same NFC tag is scanned in two different locations at the same time, flag it as a duplicate. Implement rate limiting (e.g., block excessive scans from the same IP in a short time). Log geolocation data of each scan and compare with past scans. ✅ Solution: Detect suspicious duplicate scans using time, location, and device fingerprinting. ❌ Risk: Requires a database and real-time monitoring system. 5. NFC Tag Tamper-Proofing (Holograms & Physical Security) Use tamper-proof NFC stickers that break if removed. Combine NFC with a hologram, QR code, or serial number for multi-layer authentication. Users can verify the physical integrity of the tag before scanning. ✅ Solution: Use tamper-evident tags with additional visual security features. ❌ Risk: Can be physically damaged but prevents simple cloning. 6. Blockchain for Immutable Verification (Optional) Store each NFC scan & validation event on a blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, or a private blockchain). If an NFC tag is cloned and used elsewhere, the system detects inconsistencies in scan records. ✅ Solution: Use blockchain for an immutable authentication trail. ❌ Risk: Slower verification process and higher costs for transactions. Final Recommendation (Best Security vs. Cost Balance) Security Method Effectiveness Cost Implementation Complexity Validate NFC Chip UID ✅ Good ? Low ? Medium Cryptographic NFC Chips (NTAG 424 DNA, DESFire) ✅✅✅ Excellent ?? Higher ? Complex Tokenized URLs (JWT/HMAC) ✅✅ Strong ? Low ? Medium Tamper-Proof NFC Stickers ✅ Strong ? Low ? Easy Blockchain Verification ✅✅✅ Maximum ?? Higher ? Complex Best Combination for Your NFC Authentication System ✔ Use NFC chips with unique UIDs (NTAG 213+ or higher). ✔ Implement tokenized URLs that expire and verify NFC UIDs server-side. ✔ Use cryptographic NFC chips (NTAG 424 DNA) for high-value items. ✔ Enable scan logging, location tracking, and rate limiting to detect fraud. ✔ Use tamper-evident NFC stickers to prevent physical tag swapping. Potential Tech Stack for MVP Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (for a simple web-based verification system) Backend: Python (Flask) or Node.js (Express) to handle database queries Database: SQLite or Firebase for quick deployment (MySQL/PostgreSQL for scalability) NFC Interaction: JavaScript (for mobile browsers) or a simple mobile app (if needed) Projected Timeframe (This can go faster if Developer has code set on hand (preferred): Week 2–3: Backend & NFC Programming Develop a Database – Store item details (e.g., serial numbers, signatures, images). Program NFC Tags – Use a simple app (like NFC Tools) to write unique IDs and link them to the database. Build a Verification System – Web-based MVP: Users tap the NFC sticker, which opens a webpage verifying the item. App-based MVP: A basic app reads the NFC chip and checks it against a secure database. Week 4–5: Frontend & Testing Design a Simple User Interface – Make it easy for customers to scan and verify items. Security Features – Add encryption or blockchain verification if needed. Testing & Refinements – Test NFC scanning, database lookups, and user flow. Week 6: Soft Launch Prototype with a Few Items – Tag and authenticate some memorabilia for demo purposes. Gather Feedback – Adjust based on real-world use before scaling.