SMS Authentication
SMS authentication is a security method that uses text messages to verify a user's identity, typically by sending a one-time passcode (OTP) to a registered mobile phone number. It is commonly employed as a second factor in two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance account security beyond just a password. This approach leverages the ubiquity of mobile phones to provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.
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. 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. However, it should be combined with other security measures due to vulnerabilities like SIM swapping or SMS interception.