How one-time passwords boost login security

In today’s digital world, consumers face the challenge of managing multiple passwords across numerous online accounts, from grocery shopping to online banking.

Unsurprising then, that with single factor authentication using a username and static password, people end up using the same passwords for multiple accounts, leaving them open to cybercrime and fraud.

Research by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) found that less than half of people fail to consistently use a strong, separate password for their main email account, while a huge number of the most commonly-used passwords have been accessed by third parties in global cyber breaches.

Even strong passwords that are regularly updated can be compromised by sophisticated malware and hackers.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication provides a firm defence against fraud, hacks and scams, particularly as one-time passwords are not vulnerable to replay attacks.

Crucially, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.

One-time passwords

Put simply, a one-time password (OTP) is a password that typically contains a series of numbers and characters and is valid for only one login. As such, OTPs can support strong authentication, enhanced security and protection against password attacks.

SMS OTP

SMS is a valuable vehicle for two-factor authentication. Once the customer completes a traditional login, a text message is generated with an OTP and sent to the account’s registered mobile number. The user then completes the authentication process by entering the code which expires within a set amount of time.

Benefits

1. OTPs are randomly generated by algorithms and are therefore virtually impossible to guess.
2. OTPs are not vulnerable to replay attacks as, once the user has gained access to the account, the password expires.
3. As OTPs are only valid for one account, they will not provide access to other accounts in the unlikely event they are compromised.

Why choose MessageCloud?

Cyber security threats are a serious and growing issue. OTPs add an extra layer of protection to online actions with a personal, time-sensitive code sent straight to users’ mobiles. Our Verify product lets you use OTPs with ease. Get low prices, exceptional security and a powerful API for all your mobile verification with MessageCloud. Find out more about Verify here.