SMS Authentication vs Time-Based One-Time Password

Developers should implement SMS authentication when building applications that require enhanced security for user accounts, such as banking apps, e-commerce platforms, or sensitive enterprise systems, to reduce the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks 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.

SMS Authentication

Nice Pick

Developers should implement SMS authentication when building applications that require enhanced security for user accounts, such as banking apps, e-commerce platforms, or sensitive enterprise systems, to reduce the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks

Pros

• It is particularly useful in scenarios where users may not have access to more advanced authentication methods like hardware tokens or biometrics, offering a straightforward and widely accessible verification step
• Related to: two-factor-authentication, one-time-passcode

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 SMS Authentication if: You want it is particularly useful in scenarios where users may not have access to more advanced authentication methods like hardware tokens or biometrics, offering a straightforward and widely accessible verification step 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 SMS Authentication offers.

The Bottom Line

SMS Authentication wins

Developers should implement SMS authentication when building applications that require enhanced security for user accounts, such as banking apps, e-commerce platforms, or sensitive enterprise systems, to reduce the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks