HMAC-Based One-Time Password vs Time-Based One-Time Password
Developers should learn and use HOTP when implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) in applications that require enhanced security, such as banking systems, enterprise logins, or sensitive data access meets developers should learn and implement totp when building applications that require strong user authentication, such as banking apps, enterprise systems, or any service handling sensitive data. Here's our take.
HMAC-Based One-Time Password
Developers should learn and use HOTP when implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) in applications that require enhanced security, such as banking systems, enterprise logins, or sensitive data access
HMAC-Based One-Time Password
Nice PickDevelopers should learn and use HOTP when implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) in applications that require enhanced security, such as banking systems, enterprise logins, or sensitive data access
Pros
- +It is particularly useful in scenarios where offline authentication is needed, as it relies on a counter rather than time synchronization, making it suitable for hardware tokens or environments with limited connectivity
- +Related to: two-factor-authentication, cryptography
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Time-Based One-Time Password
Developers should learn and implement TOTP when building applications that require strong user authentication, such as banking apps, enterprise systems, or any service handling sensitive data
Pros
- +It is particularly useful for adding a second layer of security beyond passwords, reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to credential theft or phishing, and is widely supported by standards like RFC 6238 and tools like Google Authenticator
- +Related to: two-factor-authentication, oauth
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use HMAC-Based One-Time Password if: You want it is particularly useful in scenarios where offline authentication is needed, as it relies on a counter rather than time synchronization, making it suitable for hardware tokens or environments with limited connectivity and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Time-Based One-Time Password if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for adding a second layer of security beyond passwords, reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to credential theft or phishing, and is widely supported by standards like rfc 6238 and tools like google authenticator over what HMAC-Based One-Time Password offers.
Developers should learn and use HOTP when implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) in applications that require enhanced security, such as banking systems, enterprise logins, or sensitive data access
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