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  • SMS a Channel of Authentication Tokens Delivery in Multi-Factor Authentication

SMS a Channel of Authentication Tokens Delivery in Multi-Factor Authentication

SMS (Short Message Service) is a popular channel for delivering authentication tokens in multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems. SMS-based MFA involves sending a one-time password (OTP) to a user's mobile device, which they must enter to complete the authentication process. In this blog, we'll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using SMS as an authentication token delivery channel.

In multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems, SMS (Short Message Service) is a popular method for the delivering of authentication tokens. One-time passwords (OTPs) are sent via SMS to a user's mobile device, which they must enter to complete the authentication process. In this blog we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of using SMS as a delivery method for authentication tokens.

Advantages of SMS-based MFA:

Wide Reach: SMS-based MFA is accessible to most mobile phone users, regardless of their device's make or model. This makes it a popular choice for organizations that need to authenticate a broad user base.

User-Friendly: SMS-based MFA is easy to use and requires minimal user training. Users simply need to have access to their mobile device to receive the OTP.

Fast Delivery: SMS-based MFA delivers OTPs almost instantly, which is important for time-sensitive transactions.

Low Cost: Compared to other MFA delivery methods, SMS-based MFA is relatively low cost, making it an attractive option for organizations that need to authenticate a large number of users.

Disadvantages of SMS-based MFA:

Security Risks: SMS-based MFA is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks, where an attacker convinces a mobile carrier to transfer a user's phone number to a new SIM card. Once the attacker has control of the user's phone number, they can intercept OTPs and gain unauthorized access to the user's account.

SMS Delivery Issues: SMS-based MFA can be affected by network coverage issues or mobile carrier restrictions, which can delay or prevent OTP delivery.

User Error: SMS-based MFA is vulnerable to user error, such as users accidentally deleting OTPs or mistyping them during the authentication process.

Lack of Flexibility: SMS-based MFA provides limited flexibility in terms of the length and complexity of OTPs that can be delivered. This can limit the overall security of the MFA system.

Conclusion

Though SMS-based MFA is a popular choice for authentication token delivery, yet it is important for organizations to consider the security risks and disadvantages of this method. Organizations that use SMS-based MFA should take steps to mitigate the risks of SIM swap attacks, such as using anti-fraud controls or implementing additional authentication factors. Additionally, organizations should have backup authentication methods in place in case SMS-based MFA delivery fails. Overall, SMS-based MFA can be an effective and low-cost authentication method when used in combination with other MFA delivery channels and security controls.

Explore CERF’s AUTHENTRICA, a multi-factor authentication platform, and experience authentication beyond text messaging.

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