One-time passwords are one of the most common forms of two-factor authentication (2FA). In this blog, we'll help you understand what a one-time password is, the different types of one-time password you might receive, and how to stay safe when you're logging into your accounts.
What is a one-time password?
How are one-time passwords created?
What is a one-time password used for?
Can one-time passwords be exploited?
Staying safe with one-time passwords
What is a one-time password?
One-time passwords are one of the cambodia phone number data most popular methods for 2FA and multi-factor authentication (MFA). 2FA involves using two methods of user authentication, and using more than two methods of authentication is known as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
One-time passwords are just one type of many user authentication methods that you can use. The more ways you authenticate your identity, the harder it is for someone to imitate you. The three key methods of user authentication include:
Something you know : This could be a password, a PIN, or the answer to a security question.
Something you are : This could be any biometric data unique to you, like your fingerprint, face ID, or retina scan.
Something you have : This could be either a physical token or a digital token. Physical tokens could include an ID badge or a security key. Digital tokens could include a one-time password sent as an SMS or generated by an authentication app.
A one-time password is a method for logging into an account, similar to a password or touch ID. Often, it's a randomly generated set of numbers or letters sent to your device to help you log into an account on a one-time basis. You can also receive a one-time password via an authenticator app, a phone call, or a security key.