1. User Requests Password Reset

• Frontend: User clicks "Forgot Password" and submits their email.
• Backend:

  • Verify the ail exists in the database.

  • Generate a secure token (e.g., JWT or random UUID).

  • Store this token in the database with:

    • User ID
    • Expiry time (usually 15 mins to 1 hour)
    • Mark as unused

  • Send a reset email with a link:

    <https://yourdomain.com/reset-password?token=><secure_token>
    

2. Token-Based Reset Link Handling

• Frontend: When the user clicks the link, they're redirected to a form to enter a new password.
• Backend:
  • On page load, verify the token:
    • Check if it exists.
    • Check if it hasn’t expired.
    • Check if it hasn’t been used already.

3. User Submits New Password

• Frontend: User enters and confirms a new password.
• Backend:
  • Validate the token again (double check).
  • Hash the new password (e.g., bcrypt).
  • Update the user's password in the database.
  • Mark the token as used or delete it.
  • (Optional) Invalidate all sessions or notify user of the password change.

🔐 Security Best Practices

• Token Generation:
  • Use crypto-secure random strings.
  • Set a short expiry time.
• Token Storage:
  • Store hashed tokens (like password hashing), so even if your DB leaks, token abuse is reduced.
• Rate Limiting:
  • Prevent spam by rate-limiting reset requests per user/IP.
• Email Security:
  • Don’t reveal whether an email exists (use generic responses).
• Password Requirements:
  • Enforce minimum strength on new passwords.