Multi Factor Authentication- OTP SMS vs Flash Calls

. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of MFA in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, among others. Two common methods used for MFA are One-Time Password (OTP) SMS and Flash Calls. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method.

OTP SMS

OTP SMS involves sending a unique code to a user's mobile phone via SMS. The user then enters the code into the system to authenticate their identity. Here are some pros and cons of using OTP SMS for MFA:

Pros:

• It is widely adopted and easy to use.
• It works on any mobile phone that can receive SMS messages.
• It can be used even in areas with poor network coverage.
• It does not require any additional hardware.

Cons:

• SMS messages can be intercepted by attackers, compromising security.
• SMS messages can be delayed or not delivered at all, causing inconvenience to users.
• SMS messages can be deleted accidentally or automatically, making it difficult for users to authenticate.
• It may require additional charges for users who are traveling internationally.

Flash Calls

Flash calls involve sending a unique code to a user's mobile phone via a missed call. The user's mobile phone automatically detects the missed call and displays the code on the screen. The user then enters the code into the system to authenticate their identity. Here are some pros and cons of using Flash Calls for MFA:

Pros:

• It is faster and more convenient than OTP SMS.
• It does not require users to have a network connection or data plan.
• It provides an additional layer of security as the code is not transmitted over the network.
• It does not require any additional hardware.

Cons:

• It is not as widely adopted as OTP SMS, making it difficult for some users to use.
• It may not work on all mobile phones, particularly older models.
• It may not work in areas with poor network coverage.
• It may require additional charges for users who are traveling internationally.

Conclusion

Both OTP SMS and Flash Calls are effective methods for MFA, and the choice of which to use depends on the specific needs of the organization and the preferences of the users. OTP SMS is more widely adopted and works on any mobile phone that can receive SMS messages. However, it can be intercepted by attackers and may not be as convenient for some users. Flash Calls, on the other hand, are faster and more convenient, but may not work on all mobile phones and in areas with poor network coverage. Ultimately, organizations should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each method when deciding which one to use for their MFA system.

Considering the following traditional OTP delivery challenges:

• Authentication Failures due to wrong password, non-delivery of OTP, entry of wrong OTP or abandonment.

• Drop Offs due to network failures, redirection failures, or disconnected text failure.

Our flexible, reliable, robust, secured and scalable MFA Platform, AUTHENTRICA, will surely prove advantageous for your users’ authentication purpose. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with your security stack without any change in your enterprise process. Our platform also offers cost minimisation and delivery maximisation. 

So, why wait, verify your users’ identities in seconds, protect any application on any device, from anywhere and add AUTHENTRICA to any network environment. 

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