OTP (One-Time Passcode) Authentication

If you’ve ever used online banking, chances are you’ve completed an OTP authentication.

An OTP (One-Time Passcode) is a digital-generated code delivered via SMS, Email, or hardware token. The code is a verification form to protect against non-repudiation over your devices.

You can enter the code from your SMS into the online field to gain access to a given app or website. However, the code will expire in a limited time.

OTP authentication is often used as a multi-factor method (MFA) and meets the assurance factor.

Multi-factor authentication requires two or more of the following elements:

Knowledge: something only the user knows – e.g., a password or PIN

Possession: something only the user possesses – e.g., a mobile handset or token

Inherence: something the user is – e.g., a biometric

The two factors also need to be independent of each other. The objective is to make it more difficult for an authorized person to access an account through layered security. . ###The Main Types of OTP Authentication:

SMS OTP authentication: A one-time passcode is sent to your mobile device via text message.

TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Passcode): You are instructed to open an authenticator app where you’ll find a passcode. You are given limited time to enter the passcode into the website, app, or portal you try to access before it expires.

Hardware tokens: A physical device (not a cellphone) displays a one-time passcode that enables you to access a website, app or portal.

OTP is used As an extra security layer To secure User authentication. Still, in some cases, in some vulnerable websites, Hackers can easily Bypass OTP two-factor authentication verification schema On the web or application-based platform.

###These are a Few Techniques That Can Be Used To Bypass OTP Schema Response manipulate

Bruteforce

SMS forwarding

For broken authentication, they can use any random value.

###Best Practices For One-Time Password Generation and Uses

The complexity of OTP: OTP depends upon the string of characters used. These characters can be letters and numbers, or both. The length of OTP should be 6 to 10 characters long, as it will be convenient for the user and hard to guess for any malicious person.

Channel should be Ultra-Secure: If your infrastructure or message channel is unsafe enough, your OTP authentication isn’t secure. Therefore, investing in a secure infrastructure channel is essential for sending OTP.

Reputed Service Provider: Failed OTP is bad for business because, on average, a user takes only 8 seconds to leave a website. So always choose a reputed OTP Service Provider. Selecting a provider with reliable delivery and a quick response period is essential.

Rate limiting: You don’t want any malicious user to send multiple OTP for a single account at once. For some channels, OTP could cost you money, and also, it will overwhelm the system. To avoid this, there should be a time limit for each OTP generated for a single account.

We have learned that even what claims to be its security cannot be secure. There are numerous vulnerabilities worldwide, and we always need to validate the security of applications to prevent attacks from malicious people. In addition, simple response manipulation allows attackers to break into a target’s account, so maintaining security is essential.