How to introduce additional authorization steps in Bubble.io workflows: Step-by-Step Guide

Introducing Additional Authorization Steps in Bubble.io Workflows

Bubble.io is a no-code platform that allows users to create web applications with complex workflows and logic without needing to write code. Often, applications require additional authorization steps to retain security and ensure that users have the appropriate permissions to access certain features or data. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively introduce additional authorization steps in Bubble.io workflows.

Prerequisites

• An active Bubble.io account with a project set up for your application.
• Basic knowledge of working with Bubble.io workflows, database structure, and user roles.
• An understanding of user roles and permission settings within Bubble.io.

Understanding User Roles and Permissions in Bubble.io

• Bubble.io allows you to create different user roles by setting up fields in the User data type. Common roles might include Admin, Editor, Viewer, etc.
• Permissions are defined using Bubble's privacy rules which restrict data access based on these roles.

Defining User Roles

• Navigate to the Data tab in your Bubble.io application.
• Go to the Data Types section and select the User data type.
• Add a new field, for example, role, with the type of text or a predefined set of options (Admin, User, Editor, etc.).
• Ensure that when a user is created, they are assigned a role, either through a signup workflow or admin panel.

Configuring Privacy Rules

• Go to the Privacy tab under the Data section.
• Create privacy rules based on the user roles defined earlier, controlling what data certain roles can view, modify, or delete.
• Example: You might set a rule that only Admins can view or modify certain sensitive fields.

Creating Authorization Workflows

• Navigate to the Workflow tab where your application's logic and workflows are set up.
• Identify which workflows require additional authorization steps (e.g., accessing sensitive data).
• Insert a condition at the top of the workflow to check for user role.
• Example condition: Current User's role is “Admin”.
• If the user lacks the required permissions, redirect them to an “Unauthorized” page or restrict the workflow.

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• To add multi-factor authentication, use plugins available in Bubble.io. Search for and install an MFA plugin like TOTP-based (Time-Based One-Time Password).
• Set up a workflow to send a verification code to the user's email or SMS during login.
• Incorporate a verification step in the login workflow where the user must enter this code to proceed.

Log User Activity for Authorization

• Create an Audit Log data type to track user activities involving sensitive actions.
• Each time a user performs an action requiring special permissions, log the action, timestamp, and user details.

Testing Your Authorization Steps

• Utilize Bubble's Preview mode to test various user roles and ensure authorization workflows work as intended.
• Attempt to access restricted workflows with insufficient permissions to confirm they are correctly blocked.

Deploying with Enhanced Authorization

• Upon successful testing, deploy the application ensuring all authorization steps are functional in the live environment.
• Continue monitoring user behavior and adjust workflows or security settings as necessary.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively incorporate additional authorization steps in your Bubble.io workflows, enhancing security and maintaining control over user privileges in your application.