Authentication Guide for Lascaux

Welcome to the Lascaux authentication guide! This document will walk you through the process of signing up and signing in to the platform using your Telestai wallet. Our goal is to provide secure, passwordless authentication through blockchain-based signatures while making the process easy and intuitive.

Supported Wallets for Authentication

Lascaux offers three wallet options for signing messages and verifying your identity. Choose the one that best suits your experience:

1. Web Wallet – Best for beginners, offering an easy and intuitive way to manage your wallet online.
2. Electrum Wallet – A more technical option but currently experiencing known issues with message signing.
3. Telestai Core Wallet – Ideal for users familiar with core wallet software, offering a smooth message-signing experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: Signing Up for Lascaux

Step 1: Set Up a Telestai Wallet

If you don't already have a wallet, choose from one of the following:

• Web Wallet:
  Visit Telestai Web Wallet (opens in a new tab) and follow the simple setup instructions. This wallet offers the easiest onboarding process.

• Electrum Wallet:
  Note: Some users have reported signature errors with Electrum. If you encounter issues, we recommend using the Web Wallet or Core Wallet.

  • Download Electrum for Telestai from Electrum Releases (opens in a new tab).
  • Follow the installation instructions to set up your wallet.

• Core Wallet:
  Download the Telestai Core Wallet from Core Wallet Releases (opens in a new tab).

  • Once installed, you can easily sign messages through the core wallet interface.

Step 2: Sign Up on Lascaux

1. Enter Your Wallet Address: Start the sign-up process by entering your wallet address.

2. Sign a Message to Verify: Lascaux will generate a challenge string that you’ll need to sign to prove wallet ownership.

   • Web Wallet:

     • Navigate to Sign Message in the web interface.
     • Enter the challenge message, sign it, and paste the signature into Lascaux.

   • Electrum Wallet:

     • Open Electrum for Telestai and go to Tools > Sign/Verify Message.
     • Enter the challenge message and sign it with your wallet address.
       Note: If you encounter a signature error, switch to the Web Wallet or Core Wallet for signing.

   • Core Wallet:

     • Open the Telestai Core Wallet and go to File > Sign Message.
     • Enter the challenge message, sign it with your wallet address, and copy the signature into Lascaux.

3. Create Your Profile:
   During sign-up, you can set up a display name, profile image, and bio. You have complete control over the information you share.

Step-by-Step Guide: Signing In to Lascaux

Step 1: Authenticate with Your Wallet

1. Enter Your Wallet Address: Use the same wallet address you registered with during sign-up.
2. Sign the Challenge Message:
   • Lascaux will generate a new challenge string for you to sign.
   • Use your wallet to sign the message and submit the signature to log in.

How JWT Authentication Works

• JWT Tokens with Wallet Addresses:
  When you log in, Lascaux generates a JWT token with your wallet address embedded. This ensures that all posts, comments, and votes are tied to your verified wallet identity.

• Session Management:
  Your JWT token is stored in localStorage, ensuring seamless access to the platform. When interacting with Lascaux, the platform knows who posted, commented, or voted.

Security and Best Practices

• Blockchain-Based Authentication: Lascaux eliminates traditional passwords, using signed messages for secure login.
• BIP39 Seed Phrase: Your wallet is secured with a BIP39 master password (seed phrase). Keep this phrase safe—it is the only way to recover your wallet if lost.
• Use of JWT Tokens: JWT tokens provide a transparent and accountable way to track user interactions while maintaining decentralization.

Known Issues and Future Enhancements

• Electrum Wallet Signature Errors:
  Some users have reported errors when signing messages with the Electrum wallet. If you encounter this issue, consider:

  • Using the Web Wallet or Core Wallet instead.
  • Checking for updates on the Electrum Wallet Releases (opens in a new tab).

• Chrome Wallet Extension:
  We are actively developing a Chrome Wallet Extension to streamline the sign-in process. This extension will allow users to sign messages directly in the browser, simplifying the authentication experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Verify Your Wallet Setup: Ensure your wallet is correctly configured and connected.
• Check for Typos in the Challenge String: Make sure the challenge string is entered exactly as shown.
• Switch Wallets if Needed: If you experience issues with Electrum, switch to the Web Wallet or Core Wallet for signing.

Summary

The Lascaux authentication system provides secure, passwordless login using your Telestai wallet. With three wallet options—Web Wallet, Electrum Wallet, and Core Wallet—you have the flexibility to choose the method that best suits you. While the Electrum wallet may currently experience some signature issues, the Web Wallet and Core Wallet provide reliable alternatives.

Every interaction on Lascaux is tied to your wallet address through JWT tokens, ensuring transparency and accountability. As we continue improving the platform, the Chrome Wallet Extension will further enhance the user experience.

If you need help or encounter any issues, please reach out to our support team or the Lascaux community.