One Time Password
One Time Password (OTP) is a security mechanism where a password is valid for only one login session or transaction, typically generated dynamically and used in addition to a regular password. It enhances authentication security by providing a second factor that is time-sensitive or event-driven, making it resistant to replay attacks. OTPs are commonly delivered via SMS, email, authenticator apps, or hardware tokens.
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). It is crucial for preventing unauthorized access in scenarios where static passwords might be compromised, such as in online services, VPNs, or API security. Using OTP helps meet regulatory requirements and reduces the risk of account takeover attacks.