Strengthen SuiteCommerce Security with Custom Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Security is a critical concern for eCommerce businesses, and SuiteCommerce users are no exception. Password-based authentication alone is no longer sufficient to protect against cyber threats. That’s where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) comes in. By adding an extra verification step, MFA significantly enhances account security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Here we’ll explore a custom MFA solution for SuiteCommerce, detailing its implementation and benefits. Whether you’re a NetSuite administrator or an eCommerce business owner, this guide will help you understand how to secure your online store.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to verify their identity through multiple authentication factors. Typically, MFA involves:

Something You Know – A password or PIN.
Something You Have – A one-time verification code sent via email or SMS.
Something You Are – Biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition.

In our SuiteCommerce MFA solution, we utilize a 6-digit code sent via email as the second authentication factor.

How SuiteCommerce MFA Works

Our customized MFA implementation in SuiteCommerce follows these steps:

1. User Login Attempt

The user enters their username and password on the login page.

2. Credential Validation

The system verifies if the provided credentials are valid. If incorrect, access is denied.

3. Code Generation & Storage

If credentials are correct, the system generates a unique 6-digit code and stores it in a custom NetSuite record. The code has a time-to-live (TTL), ensuring it expires if not used within a specific timeframe.

4. Code Delivery

The system sends the generated code to the user’s registered email address.

5. Second Factor Verification

The user enters the received 6-digit code on the authentication page.

6. Code Validation

If the entered code matches the stored code, authentication is successful, and access is granted. If incorrect, the user is prompted to try again.

Technical Implementation of SuiteCommerce MFA

1. Secure Code Generation

Uses SuiteScript to generate a random 6-digit code.
Ensures code uniqueness and security.

2. Custom Record for Code Storage

A custom NetSuite record is created to store the code and user reference.
The record includes a TTL to prevent expired codes from being used.

3. Email Code Delivery

NetSuite’s email API is used to send the 6-digit code to the user’s registered email address.
Ensures delivery reliability and security.

4. Authentication Page Enhancement

SuiteCommerce login page is modified to include an input field for the MFA code.
Uses SuiteCommerce Extensibility API components to customize the UI.

5. Verification & Access Control

The system verifies the user’s entered code against the stored record.
If valid, access is granted; if invalid, authentication fails.

Potential Future Enhancements

While our MFA solution is a significant security upgrade, the following features are not yet developed but could be implemented in the future based on customer demand. These potential enhancements include:

1. Rate Limiting

Prevent brute-force attacks by limiting the number of incorrect MFA attempts.

2. Activity Logging

Log all MFA-related activities for security auditing and compliance purposes.

3. Encrypted Code Storage

Store MFA codes in an encrypted format within NetSuite to enhance security.

4. Trusted Device Feature

For an improved user experience, a trusted device feature could be implemented, allowing users to mark devices as trusted, reducing the frequency of MFA prompts.

How It Would Work:

A unique identifier is generated for each device.
The device identifier is stored in a NetSuite custom record.
Upon a successful MFA login, the user is prompted to trust the device.
On future logins, the system checks the device identifier.
If the device is recognized and valid, the MFA step is bypassed.

This feature would offer a balance between security and convenience, ensuring frequent users don’t have to enter MFA codes unnecessarily.

Why SuiteCommerce Users Need MFA

Implementing MFA in SuiteCommerce is crucial for:

Preventing Unauthorized Access: MFA ensures that only authorized users can log in, even if credentials are compromised.
Enhancing Compliance: Many security regulations require businesses to implement multi-factor authentication.
Building Customer Trust: A secure shopping experience boosts customer confidence in your eCommerce platform.

MFA: The Key to Better Security

With cyber threats on the rise, protecting your SuiteCommerce store with Multi-Factor Authentication is a necessity. A custom MFA solution enhances security, ensuring only authorized users gain access while maintaining a seamless login experience.

Looking to implement custom MFA for your SuiteCommerce store? Get in touch with UnlockCommerce to learn more about securing your eCommerce platform.

Get In Touch

Let’s talk about how we can help you to launch, migrate or optimize your digital channels with SuiteCommerce. Please complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.