When building the ByPass app, Alexander and Micka were razor focused on security, particularly in the IoT space. Their app ByPass allows developers to add a layer of security that is frequently missing from apps that store sensitive user data or have built in voice purchasing capabilities. Rather than a fixed four digit code that must be said out loud, the ByPass app enables a random confirmation code to be sent and used via your smartphone. This eliminates the security concerns of voice-driven codes that can be overheard by anyone near by.
We had a chance to catch up with Alexander, one of the lead developers for the ByPass app, where he shared the vision for the project. Check out the Q&A:
What is your background in?
I have a bit of a convoluted background. I first worked as a civil engineer before going to business school in France at HEC Paris. I taught myself to code out of my own interest and thanks to a previous job. Currently, I’m working as a freelance data analyst.
My teammate Micka, a UX Designer for Sevenhugs, a French IoT company also participated in the challenge with me. Mika is from France and studied Industrial design and management. We met through Mangrove a freelance community and decided to use the DeveloperWeek Hackathon as a chance to work together.
What was your inspiration or thought process for creating the app?
Micka was already working in IoT and I was curious about what it takes to build an Alexa skill. We had both heard horror stories about security and IoT, so we thought we would try and work on solving that challenge.
What was your technology stack for the project?
Python, Flask, Flowroute SDK, Nginx, and Alexa-skills-kit
Do you each have a feature or particular capability that you really wish was included in the app?
Speaker verification
How do you think the ability to utilize SMS differentiates or adds value to your app?
It is platform agnostic which makes it easier for developers to deploy and manage for a variety of different platforms (google home, Alexa, etc.)
Anything next on the horizon for the team or the app?
I’m hoping to get to hack with Micka again, but right now we are both fairly busy with work, our side projects, and surfing.
Transporter, time machine or cloak of invisibility?
Transporter- As a surfer and skier, this is the dream.
First computer?
The earliest computer I can remember using was an early 90’s Compaq Presario. I was obsessed with playing Commander Keen on it.
Current phone?
Nexus 5x
Favorite app?
Surfline, but not for the user experience.
I once waited in line for…?
The DMV. Go figure.
Where can we access ByPass?
We have hosted ByPass on GitHub so other developers can use it as a starting point for using Flowroute for two-factor authentication (2FA).
Curious about how Flowroute SMS might fit into your application or service? Check out our Messaging API.
