# User Registration & Login Guide
RUSTELO
Welcome to the[Rustelo](/) Authentication Guide! This comprehensive guide will help you create your account, log in securely, and manage your authentication settings. ## 🎯 Overview Rustelo provides a secure, user-friendly authentication system that protects your account while making it easy to access your content. Whether you're creating a new account or managing an existing one, this guide has you covered. ## 🚀 Getting Started ### Creating Your Account #### Step 1: Navigate to Registration 1. Go to the[Rustelo](/) homepage 2. Click **"Sign Up"** or **"Create Account"** 3. You'll be taken to the registration page #### Step 2: Fill Out Registration Form ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Create Your Account │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Full Name: [________________] │ │ Email: [________________] │ │ Username: [________________] │ │ Password: [________________] │ │ Confirm: [________________] │ │ │ │ □ I agree to the Terms of Service │ │ □ Subscribe to newsletter (optional) │ │ │ │ [ Create Account ] │ │ │ │ Already have an account? Sign in │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` #### Registration Fields Explained **Full Name** - Your display name throughout the application - Can be changed later in profile settings - Used for personalization and greetings **Email Address** - Must be unique and valid - Used for login and account recovery - Will receive verification email **Username** - Must be unique across all users - Used for mentions and public profile URLs - Can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores - Cannot be changed after registration **Password** - Must meet security requirements - At least 8 characters long - Include uppercase and lowercase letters - Include at least one number - Include at least one special character **Confirm Password** - Must match your password exactly - Prevents typing errors #### Step 3: Password Strength Indicator As you type your password, you'll see a strength indicator: ``` Password: [weak____strong] ✗ At least 8 characters ✗ Contains uppercase letter ✓ Contains lowercase letter ✗ Contains number ✗ Contains special character ``` **Password Tips:** - Use a unique password not used elsewhere - Consider using a password manager - Avoid common words or personal information - Mix letters, numbers, and symbols #### Step 4: Agree to Terms - Read the Terms of Service - Check the agreement box - Newsletter subscription is optional #### Step 5: Complete Registration 1. Click **"Create Account"** 2. Check your email for verification 3. Click the verification link 4. Your account is now active! ### Email Verification After registration, you'll receive an email like this: ``` Subject: Verify Your[Rustelo](/) Account Hello [Your Name], Welcome to Rustelo! Please click the link below to verify your email address: [Verify Email Address] This link expires in 24 hours. If you didn't create this account, please ignore this email. Thanks, The[Rustelo](/) Team ``` **Important Notes:** - Check your spam folder if you don't see the email - The verification link expires in 24 hours - You can request a new verification email from the login page ## 🔐 Logging In ### Standard Login Process #### Step 1: Navigate to Login 1. Go to the[Rustelo](/) homepage 2. Click **"Sign In"** or **"Login"** 3. You'll see the login form #### Step 2: Enter Credentials ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Welcome Back │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Email: [________________] │ │ Password: [________________] │ │ │ │ □ Remember me │ │ │ │ [ Sign In ] │ │ │ │ Forgot password? | Create account │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` #### Login Options **Email/Username** - Enter your registered email address - Or use your username - Case-insensitive **Password** - Enter your account password - Case-sensitive - Use the exact password you created **Remember Me** - Stay logged in for 30 days - Only use on trusted devices - Automatically logs you out after inactivity #### Step 3: Successful Login After successful login, you'll be redirected to: - Your dashboard (default) - The page you were trying to access - Your last visited page ### Login Troubleshooting #### Common Login Issues **"Invalid credentials" Error** - Double-check email and password spelling - Try typing instead of copy-pasting - Check if Caps Lock is on - Ensure you're using the correct email **"Account not verified" Error** - Check your email for verification link - Click "Resend verification email" - Check spam folder - Contact support if still not received **"Account locked" Error** - Too many failed login attempts - Account temporarily locked for security - Wait 15 minutes and try again - Use password reset if needed **"Login session expired" Error** - Your session timed out - Click "Sign In" again - Enter your credentials - Check "Remember me" to stay logged in longer ## 🔑 Password Management ### Forgotten Password Recovery #### Step 1: Request Password Reset 1. Go to the login page 2. Click **"Forgot password?"** 3. Enter your email address 4. Click **"Send Reset Link"** #### Step 2: Check Your Email ``` Subject: Reset Your[Rustelo](/) Password Hello [Your Name], We received a request to reset your password. Click the link below to create a new password: [Reset Password] This link expires in 1 hour. If you didn't request this, please ignore this email. Thanks, The[Rustelo](/) Team ``` #### Step 3: Create New Password 1. Click the reset link in your email 2. Enter your new password 3. Confirm your new password 4. Click **"Update Password"** 5. You'll be automatically logged in ### Changing Your Password #### While Logged In 1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** 2. Click **"Change Password"** 3. Enter current password 4. Enter new password 5. Confirm new password 6. Click **"Update Password"** #### Password Change Form ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Change Password │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Current: [________________] │ │ New: [________________] │ │ Confirm: [________________] │ │ │ │ Password Strength: [████████░░] 80% │ │ │ │ [ Update Password ] │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ## 🛡️ Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) ### What is 2FA? Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring: 1. Something you know (password) 2. Something you have (phone/authenticator app) ### Setting Up 2FA #### Step 1: Enable 2FA 1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** 2. Find **"Two-Factor Authentication"** 3. Click **"Enable 2FA"** #### Step 2: Choose Authentication Method **Authenticator App (Recommended)** - Google Authenticator - Authy - Microsoft Authenticator - 1Password **SMS Text Messages** - Receive codes via text - Requires phone number - Less secure than authenticator apps #### Step 3: Set Up Authenticator App 1. Download an authenticator app 2. Scan the QR code with your app 3. Enter the 6-digit code from your app 4. Save your backup codes 5. Click **"Enable 2FA"** #### Step 4: Save Backup Codes ``` Your 2FA Backup Codes Save these codes in a safe place! 1. 123456 2. 789012 3. 345678 4. 901234 5. 567890 Each code can only be used once. ``` **Important:** - Store backup codes securely - Each code works only once - Use if you lose your phone - Generate new codes periodically ### Using 2FA Login #### With 2FA Enabled 1. Enter email and password 2. You'll see the 2FA prompt 3. Open your authenticator app 4. Enter the 6-digit code 5. Click **"Verify"** ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Two-Factor Authentication │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Enter the code from your │ │ authenticator app: │ │ │ │ Code: [______] │ │ │ │ [ Verify ] │ │ │ │ Lost your device? Use backup code │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` #### If You Lose Your Device 1. Click **"Lost your device?"** 2. Enter one of your backup codes 3. Click **"Verify"** 4. Set up 2FA again with new device ### Disabling 2FA 1. Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** 2. Find **"Two-Factor Authentication"** 3. Click **"Disable 2FA"** 4. Enter your password to confirm 5. Enter 2FA code or backup code 6. Click **"Disable"** ## 📱 Device Management ### Viewing Connected Devices Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** > **Connected Devices** ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Connected Devices │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 💻 Chrome on Windows │ │ Current session • Last used: Now │ │ IP: 192.168.1.100 • Location: San Francisco, CA │ │ │ │ 📱 Safari on iPhone │ │ Last used: 2 hours ago │ │ IP: 10.0.0.50 • Location: San Francisco, CA │ │ [Sign Out] │ │ │ │ 💻 Firefox on Mac │ │ Last used: 3 days ago │ │ IP: 192.168.1.102 • Location: San Francisco, CA │ │ [Sign Out] │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ### Managing Devices - **Current Session** - The device you're using now - **Sign Out** - Remotely log out from other devices - **Sign Out All** - Log out from all devices except current - **Device Information** - Browser, OS, location, IP address ### Suspicious Activity If you see unfamiliar devices: 1. Click **"Sign Out"** immediately 2. Change your password 3. Enable 2FA if not already active 4. Review recent account activity ## 🔒 Security Best Practices ### Account Security Checklist #### Strong Authentication - [ ] Use a unique, strong password - [ ] Enable two-factor authentication - [ ] Regularly update your password - [ ] Use a password manager - [ ] Don't share your credentials #### Device Security - [ ] Log out from public computers - [ ] Don't save passwords on shared devices - [ ] Use "Remember me" only on trusted devices - [ ] Regularly review connected devices - [ ] Keep your devices updated #### Email Security - [ ] Use a secure email provider - [ ] Enable 2FA on your email account - [ ] Don't forward authentication emails - [ ] Check email regularly for security notifications - [ ] Report suspicious emails ### Recognizing Phishing Attempts **Red Flags:** - Urgent requests for password/login - Generic greetings ("Dear User") - Suspicious sender addresses - Links to unfamiliar domains - Spelling and grammar errors - Requests for personal information **Always:** - Type the URL directly in your browser - Check the sender's email address - Hover over links to see destinations - Contact support if unsure - Report suspicious emails ### Account Recovery Tips **Prepare for Recovery:** - Keep email account secure - Save backup codes safely - Update recovery information - Note down your username - Keep contact information current **If Locked Out:** 1. Try password reset first 2. Use backup codes if 2FA enabled 3. Contact support with account details 4. Provide proof of identity if required ## 🎯 Profile & Account Settings ### Account Information - **Full Name** - Your display name - **Email** - Login email (requires verification to change) - **Username** - Unique identifier (cannot be changed) - **Joined Date** - When you created your account - **Last Login** - Your most recent login time ### Privacy Settings - **Profile Visibility** - Who can see your profile - **Email Visibility** - Show/hide email address - **Activity Status** - Show when you're online - **Search Visibility** - Allow others to find you ### Notification Preferences - **Email Notifications** - Security alerts, updates - **Login Notifications** - New device alerts - **Security Notifications** - Suspicious activity alerts - **Newsletter** - Product updates and news ## 🔍 Login History & Activity ### Viewing Login History Go to **Profile** > **Security Settings** > **Login History** ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Login History │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ ✅ Successful login │ │ Today at 2:30 PM • Chrome on Windows │ │ IP: 192.168.1.100 • San Francisco, CA │ │ │ │ ✅ Successful login │ │ Yesterday at 9:15 AM • Safari on iPhone │ │ IP: 10.0.0.50 • San Francisco, CA │ │ │ │ ❌ Failed login attempt │ │ 2 days ago at 3:45 AM • Unknown browser │ │ IP: 203.0.113.1 • Unknown location │ │ │ │ ✅ Password changed │ │ 1 week ago at 11:22 AM • Chrome on Windows │ │ IP: 192.168.1.100 • San Francisco, CA │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ### Activity Monitoring - **Successful Logins** - Normal access to your account - **Failed Attempts** - Someone tried to access your account - **Password Changes** - When you updated your password - **2FA Changes** - When you modified 2FA settings - **Device Management** - Adding/removing devices ### Security Alerts You'll receive emails for: - New device logins - Multiple failed login attempts - Password changes - 2FA modifications - Suspicious activity ## 🛠️ Troubleshooting Authentication ### Common Issues & Solutions #### Email Verification Problems **Issue:** Verification email not received **Solutions:** 1. Check spam/junk folders 2. Add noreply@rustelo.com to contacts 3. Wait 5-10 minutes for delivery 4. Request new verification email 5. Try different email address #### 2FA Code Issues **Issue:** 2FA codes not working **Solutions:** 1. Check device time is correct 2. Try the next code generated 3. Use backup codes 4. Resync authenticator app 5. Disable and re-enable 2FA #### Browser-Specific Issues **Issue:** Login not working in browser **Solutions:** 1. Clear browser cache and cookies 2. Disable browser extensions 3. Try incognito/private mode 4. Update browser to latest version 5. Try different browser #### Mobile Login Issues **Issue:** Can't login on mobile **Solutions:** 1. Check internet connection 2. Update mobile browser 3. Try desktop site option 4. Clear browser data 5. Restart device ### Getting Help #### Self-Service Options - **Password Reset** - Reset forgotten passwords - **Resend Verification** - Get new verification email - **Backup Codes** - Access with 2FA backup codes - **Device Logout** - Remove suspicious devices #### Contact Support If you can't resolve login issues: 1. Go to the help center 2. Submit a support ticket 3. Include your username/email 4. Describe the problem clearly 5. Mention steps you've tried **Support will ask for:** - Your username or email - Description of the problem - Browser and device information - Error messages you see - Steps you've already tried ## 🎓 Authentication Tips ### For New Users 1. **Choose a Strong Password** - Use password manager 2. **Verify Email Quickly** - Check spam folder 3. **Enable 2FA Early** - Set up before you need it 4. **Save Backup Codes** - Store them securely 5. **Complete Profile** - Add recovery information ### For Regular Users 1. **Review Login History** - Check monthly 2. **Update Passwords** - Every 3-6 months 3. **Manage Devices** - Remove old devices 4. **Monitor Activity** - Watch for suspicious logins 5. **Keep Email Secure** - Protect your email account ### For Advanced Users 1. **Use Hardware Keys** - If supported 2. **Monitor IP Addresses** - Check for unusual locations 3. **Set Strong Recovery** - Multiple recovery options 4. **Regular Security Audits** - Monthly reviews 5. **Stay Informed** - Follow security best practices ## 🚨 Security Incident Response ### If Your Account is Compromised #### Immediate Actions 1. **Change Password** - Use different device if possible 2. **Enable 2FA** - If not already enabled 3. **Log Out All Devices** - Remove attacker access 4. **Check Account Activity** - Review recent changes 5. **Contact Support** - Report the incident #### Recovery Steps 1. **Secure Email Account** - Change email password 2. **Review Account Settings** - Check for unauthorized changes 3. **Check Connected Apps** - Remove suspicious connections 4. **Update Recovery Info** - Ensure you control recovery methods 5. **Monitor Activity** - Watch for continued suspicious activity ### Prevention Tips - Never share your login credentials - Use strong, unique passwords - Enable 2FA on all accounts - Keep devices and browsers updated - Be cautious on public WiFi - Log out from public computers ## 📚 Next Steps Now that you understand authentication, explore: 1. **[User Interface Guide](./interface.md)** - Navigate the application 2. **[Profile Management](./profile.md)** - Customize your account 3. **[Content Management](./content.md)** - Create and manage content 4. **[Media Management](./media.md)** - Handle files and images 5. **[Features Overview](./features/)** - Discover all features ## 🎉 Conclusion Rustelo's authentication system is designed to keep your account secure while making it easy to access your content. By following the practices in this guide, you'll have a secure, well-managed account. Remember to: - Use strong, unique passwords - Enable two-factor authentication - Regularly review your account activity - Keep your recovery information updated - Contact support if you need help **Stay secure and enjoy using Rustelo!** 🔐✨