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TOTP vs HOTP

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 hotp when implementing or integrating authentication systems that require robust security against replay attacks, such as in banking apps, vpn access, 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

HOTP

Developers should learn HOTP when implementing or integrating authentication systems that require robust security against replay attacks, such as in banking apps, VPN access, or enterprise software

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful in scenarios where network connectivity is unreliable, as HOTP codes do not rely on time synchronization like TOTP, making it suitable for offline or low-latency environments
  • +Related to: two-factor-authentication, cryptography

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 HOTP if: You prioritize it is particularly useful in scenarios where network connectivity is unreliable, as hotp codes do not rely on time synchronization like totp, making it suitable for offline or low-latency environments 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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