Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method of protecting your customers' online accounts. In this process, users not only have to enter their username and password, but also a verification code as a second security feature. This verification code can be sent to the mobile phone as an SMS, for example, and is therefore independent of the user's computer. A potential attacker must therefore obtain the password and at the same time access the user's mobile phone. This makes a potential attack more difficult and increases security, especially in the case of phishing attacks.
What Are the Advantages of 2FA via SMS
Two-factor authentication via physical devices such as a token
generator, a card reader, or a USB key has the disadvantage that they always
have to be carried by the user. This is automatically the case with mobile
phones and does not limit the comfort of the user. Other devices are
forgotten, however, and this can make access significantly more difficult. Also, these devices not only incur costs due to the one-time purchase, but they
also have to be replaced regularly.
The 2-factor authentication via SMS avoids these problems
resulting from physical use by sending a unique and non-reusable security code
made up of numbers or letters.
There are currently also applications that allow customers to
perform this double authentication via an app on the phone. However, these
must be installed in advance by the user. The user has to learn how to use
these applications and it is not uncommon for problems to arise when switching
to a new mobile phone. The support effort should not be underestimated. This
applies in particular to the APP compatibility due to a large number of
different Android devices and versions.
Instead, A2F enables everyone to receive this code on their
phone with a range of more than 99% via SMS. This is why major internet
companies like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, Hotmail, Amazon, Dropbox,
Google and Microsoft offer you the option to protect your account with this SMS
authentication. Google itself offers an app for 2FA, but mainly uses SMS
itself.
Also, it forces your
customer or user to always update their mobile phone number in your database so
that you can easily contact them later on this number.
Benefits
·
You do not need a physical device such as a token generator or
the installation of a separate application, but rather use a function that the
user already has in his pocket.· The 2FA code is constantly renewable and has a defined useful life so that only the actual user can enter the data or information to be updated.
· A code is always available, even when roaming, behind a firewall that blocks your app, or even without internet.
· Your website is configured to have a maximum number of failed attempts, reducing the risk of attack by unauthorized persons.
· Easy to integrate into your software via HTTPS API, immediate receipt for your user and no installation costs.
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