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TOTP vs Biometric Authentication

Developers should learn TOTP to implement secure authentication systems in applications, especially for user login flows in web and mobile apps where enhanced security is required meets developers should learn biometric authentication to implement secure, user-friendly authentication systems in applications requiring high security, such as banking apps, healthcare platforms, or enterprise software. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

TOTP

Developers should learn TOTP to implement secure authentication systems in applications, especially for user login flows in web and mobile apps where enhanced security is required

TOTP

Nice Pick

Developers should learn TOTP to implement secure authentication systems in applications, especially for user login flows in web and mobile apps where enhanced security is required

Pros

  • +It is widely used in scenarios like banking, email services, and enterprise software to protect against credential theft and phishing attacks, as it requires both something you know (password) and something you have (a device generating the TOTP)
  • +Related to: two-factor-authentication, oauth

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Biometric Authentication

Developers should learn biometric authentication to implement secure, user-friendly authentication systems in applications requiring high security, such as banking apps, healthcare platforms, or enterprise software

Pros

  • +It reduces reliance on weak passwords, minimizes fraud risks, and improves user experience by enabling quick, seamless access
  • +Related to: authentication, security

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use TOTP if: You want it is widely used in scenarios like banking, email services, and enterprise software to protect against credential theft and phishing attacks, as it requires both something you know (password) and something you have (a device generating the totp) and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Biometric Authentication if: You prioritize it reduces reliance on weak passwords, minimizes fraud risks, and improves user experience by enabling quick, seamless access over what TOTP offers.

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The Bottom Line
TOTP wins

Developers should learn TOTP to implement secure authentication systems in applications, especially for user login flows in web and mobile apps where enhanced security is required

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