One Time Password vs Hardware Security Keys

Developers should learn and implement OTP when building applications requiring strong authentication, such as banking, healthcare, or any system handling sensitive user data, to comply with security standards like multi-factor authentication (MFA) meets developers should learn about and use hardware security keys when building or securing applications that require high levels of authentication security, such as in finance, healthcare, or enterprise environments. Here's our take.

One Time Password

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and implement OTP when building applications requiring strong authentication, such as banking, healthcare, or any system handling sensitive user data, to comply with security standards like multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Pros

• It is crucial for preventing unauthorized access in scenarios where static passwords might be compromised, such as in online services, VPNs, or API security
• Related to: multi-factor-authentication, time-based-one-time-password

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Hardware Security Keys

Developers should learn about and use hardware security keys when building or securing applications that require high levels of authentication security, such as in finance, healthcare, or enterprise environments

Pros

• They are essential for implementing phishing-resistant MFA, complying with security standards like NIST guidelines, and protecting sensitive user accounts from attacks like credential stuffing
• Related to: multi-factor-authentication, fido2

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. One Time Password is a concept while Hardware Security Keys is a tool. We picked One Time Password based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

One Time Password wins

Based on overall popularity. One Time Password is more widely used, but Hardware Security Keys excels in its own space.