Park Buddies

🔐 Secure Password Reset System - Getting You Back to the Pack!

H
Harald Fauland
feature news
security

🔐 Secure Password Reset System - Getting You Back to the Pack! 🐾

We're excited to announce a new security feature that makes it easier than ever to get back into your ParkBuddies account when you forget your password. Our new password reset system is designed with both security and user experience in mind.


🎉 What's New?

🔒 Secure Email-Based Reset

If you ever forget your password, simply click "Forgot password?" on the login page and enter your email address. We'll send you a secure reset link that expires in 15 minutes for maximum security.

📱 Mobile-Friendly Design

We know most of our pack uses ParkBuddies on their phones while at dog parks! The password reset forms are fully optimized for mobile devices with:

  • Large, easy-to-tap buttons for paws of all sizes (okay, human fingers!)
  • Clear validation messages that help you get it right the first time
  • Responsive design that works on any screen size
  • Prevention of mobile zoom-in on form inputs (no more accidental zooming!)

🎯 Smart Username Handling

One common issue we solved: mobile keyboards often auto-capitalize the first letter of usernames. Our system now handles usernames case-insensitively, so "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" are treated as the same user. No more login frustration!


🛡️ Security Features That Protect Your Pack

⏰ Rate Limiting

To protect against abuse, we limit password reset requests to prevent spam:

  • Maximum 10 requests per hour per email address
  • Additional IP-based limits for extra protection
  • Clear messaging when limits are reached

🔐 Secure Token System

  • 32-character cryptographically secure tokens (that's really, really secure!)
  • Tokens are hashed using SHA256 before database storage
  • 15-minute expiration window (just enough time to reset, not enough for trouble)
  • Single-use tokens that are invalidated after use

🔑 Password Security

  • Minimum 8-character password requirement (your dog's favorite toy name might work!)
  • Passwords are hashed using Argon2 with industry-standard parameters
  • Real-time password validation and confirmation matching

🐕 How It Works (It's as Easy as Teaching "Sit"!)

  1. Request Reset: Enter your email on the forgot password page
  2. Check Email: Look for a reset email from ParkBuddies (check spam folder!)
  3. Set New Password: Click the link and enter your new secure password
  4. Login: Use your new credentials to get back to connecting with fellow dog owners

🎾 Try It Out!

The password reset system is live and ready to help you get back to the important stuff - finding amazing dog parks and connecting with fellow dog parents across Austria.

Having trouble? The reset process should be smooth and secure, but if you encounter any issues, our system includes comprehensive logging to help us assist you quickly.

Stay secure and keep wagging! 🐾
The ParkBuddies Pack


P.S. Remember to use a password you can remember - maybe something involving your dog's name, their favorite park, and a few numbers! Just make sure it's unique to ParkBuddies. 💕