NFC Application

Scope of Project: Multi-Tenant NFC-Based Authentication System Project Overview THIS APPLICATIONS #1 OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT IT'S CLOSE TO IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE TO LEARN OR REPLICATE THE DESTINATION URL OF THE WEB PAGE WHERE THE NFC TAGGED ITEM INFORMATION EXISTS. OTHERWISE, THE PROBLEM I AM TRYING TO SOLVE STILL EXISTS. WHETHER IT BE TOKENIZED URLS OR SOME OTHER MEANS, THAT IS THE MAIN THING WE ARE TRYING TO OVERCOME. COUNTERFEITING IS THE ISSUE. 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.