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Auth Pheromones

Auth pheromones are time-limited security escalation markers. When a founder deposits a pheromone, all users must complete TOTP verification to access the site.

FieldTypeDescription
idTEXTUnique identifier
require_2faINTEGER1 to enforce TOTP
expires_atTEXTWhen the lockdown ends
deposited_byTEXTFounder who activated
deposited_atTEXTActivation timestamp

When an active pheromone exists (require_2fa = 1 and expires_at > now):

  1. All authenticated requests check for a valid TOTP session
  2. Users without TOTP enrollment are redirected to /totp/enroll?reason=required
  3. Users with TOTP but no active session are redirected to /totp/verify?reason=pheromone
  4. The lockdown automatically expires when expires_at passes