The primary distinction between traditional username and password authentication and OTP is that the traditional method is static, whereas OTP is dynamic. One-Time-Passwords (OTP)Īn OTP, short for One-Time Password, is a time-sensitive authentication code designed for a single-use or transactional authentication process. It discusses how various OTP methods can enhance the security of authentication systems, whether that’s users accessing SaaS apps, personal devices, or navigating internal company systems.

This article explores One-Time Passwords (OTPs), an MFA method that falls under #2 i.e verification of access to a device.

Something they are (biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition).

Something they have (such as a security token or a mobile device),.

Something the user knows (like a password),.

This identification can come in various forms, such as:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires individuals to provide more than one method of identification from separate categories to verify their identity. One-Time-Password (OTP) is one of one of the methods to strengthen security against attacks Understanding Multi-factor authentication and OTP However, nearly half (49%) of incidents cited in Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report involved compromised passwords.Ī director of Identity Security at Microsoft wrote a post titled “ passwords don’t matter”, which states that regardless of a password’s strength, hackers will likely find new and evolved ways to either guess or intercept them.īrute force attacks and credential stuffing are just a few of the tactics that hackers use to illegally infiltrate systems and accounts. Traditional username and password authentication methods have historically served as the default choice for ensuring secure access.

Understanding Multi-factor authentication and OTP.

Google authenticator totp or hotp