Two-Factor Authentication: Improved Account Security With SMS
A password just isn’t good enough anymore. Protect your customers’ data wherever they are, using only their mobile phone!
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security. When a user tries to access their account, it allows them to be automatically verified using an additional piece of information that is unique to them.
This could be something:
Only they know
It could be a PIN, a one-time password (OTP), answers to predefined ‘secret questions’, or a specific keystroke pattern.
Only they have
Something in their possession, like a credit card, a smartphone, or a token
Only they are
Every user is unique. Biometric authentication can use a fingerprint, an iris scan, or a voice print.
Why SMS-based authentication?
No additional hardware needed
The only thing your customers need is their mobile phone.
Works on any mobile phone
No need for any kind of app – if your users don’t have a smartphone this may be the only reliable authentication option.
Global
Reach
Your users can be verified anywhere in the world – no mobile data or Wi-Fi required.
Authenticate Registrations
When a new user registers for your application phone verification can help authenticate identity, ensuring your new user is who they claim to be – and links them with their device.
- User downloads an app and registers a new account
- User receives a PIN code via a messaging service such as SMS, or via a voice message
- User enters the PIN in the app on their device to complete the user registration process
Authenticate Transactions
Confirming transactions with real time communications significantly reduces fraud and its costly repercussions.
Before completing a transaction, authenticate the user by sending a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to ensure the transaction is not fraudulent.
Password Reset
When a user logs in to an app from an unknown device and requests a password reset, sending a code to verify the user’s identity prevents fraud and identity theft.
User Reactivation
When a user attempts to sign into your app or website after a long period of inactivity, mobile phone verification helps ensure that the user is genuine and not a hacker or spammer.