Each day, passwords are taken. Hackers stole data from 2.5 billion accounts in 2018, which works out to 6.85 million passwords every day and 158 per second.
Stay calm right now. We have SMS verification for this reason.
Observe how much harder it is to steal phones than it is to steal passwords. Every year, consumers lose over 70 million smartphones, and only 7% of them are found.
While that figure may seem concerning (because it is), it is much lower than 2.5 billion. A hacker would want your account, password, and access to your phone if SMS verification was enabled (and they might even need a password to unlock your phone).
That many barriers make it difficult to obtain your sensitive online info.
returning to SMS verification now. What is it, how does it operate, and how do you make it available to your clients?
Great inquiries. Answers can be found below.
What is SMS verification?
Websites, apps, banks, and social networks can double-check a user’s identification through SMS verification.
Organizations will send an SMS verification token to your smartphone after you submit your login and password. Use the code to finish logging in; this is known as SMS Code Verify.
Other names for SMS verification exist as well. It may also be referred to as SMS one-time password, SMS-based two-factor authentication, or SMS authentication (OTP).
SMS verification isn’t flawless, though. Though there are charges involved and security issues to be aware of (which we’ll discuss later), it’s difficult to match its simplicity and convenience. Due to the fact that this method of verification doesn’t involve the download of any additional apps or services, consumers have grown accustomed to it over time.
How does SMS verification work?
Verifying through SMS is easy. This is how the procedure looks:
- During the registration procedure, give a business your phone number.
- You receive a one-time SMS authentication code after entering your login and password on the company’s website or mobile application.
- To finish the login process, enter that code into the app or website.
It’s that easy.
Pros of SMS authentication
Although SMS authentication is not the most secure verification technique available, it has the following benefits:
- Secure: SMS authentication is more secure than a password alone even though it isn’t as safe as other contemporary options like time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
- Simple: People are accustomed to entering these short codes into their handsets because they have been using SMS authentication for a long time. It is simple and quick.
- SMS two-factor authentication is cheap, sometimes even free. Additionally, no additional gear or software is needed because the majority of users already own a mobile smartphone.
Cons of SMS authentication
SMS authentication has drawbacks while being safe, simple, and affordable:
- Vulnerabilities: An account can be compromised via hacking and SIM swapping (fraud).
- Lost devices: People frequently misplace their electronic equipment, which may keep them locked out or jeopardise their security.
- Synced devices: Due to the fact that many people receive their text messages on various devices (such as a laptop, computer, mobile device, watch, etc.), it is simpler for criminals to intercept SMS communications.
How to choose an SMS verification service
How do you choose the best SMS user authentication solution for your company when there are so many options available? Here are some indicators to watch out for:
- Fast, reliable delivery: One-time passcodes are frequently time-limited, therefore users must enter the code before it expires as quickly as possible. You need a verification service that can handle a large scale without sacrificing performance if you’re sending thousands of SMS 2FA messages to clients.
- Security: Users must get messages that have been safely delivered. In the absence of encryption, hackers may snoop on unencrypted messages and exploit the code to access your users’ accounts. Work with a SOC 2 compliant verification service (the gold standard for data security).
- Top-notch support: You need a service provider who can help right away if something goes wrong.
- Alternate channels: Your users might not want to utilise their phone for verification purposes—and that’s just OK. Choose a supplier that offers additional 2FA options, such as email, push notifications, or time-based one-time passwords (TOTP).
Secure SMS two-factor authentication with Twilio Verify
Do you need an SMS verification solution that can handle everything? Try Twilio Verify for safe 2FA.
Yes, we are a little biased, but please hear us out.
With a single application programming interface, Verify provides SMS, voice, email, push, and TOTP user validation (API). To prevent your passcodes from getting caught in message filters, you can alternatively use carrier-approved templated messages.
Additionally, Twilio’s automatic translation and compliance with international laws enable you to send messages anywhere in the world without any problems.
Even better, you can incorporate the Verify API into your sign-up process to collect (and confirm) phone numbers during onboarding. As a result, security becomes a top priority rather than an afterthought.
