What is two-factor authentication and what are the benefits?

Two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as multiple-step verification, is a process by which a user's identity is double checked to determine their legitimacy. In most cases, an online account holder will be required to present two separate passwords in order access their account. The first password, determined by the user, is the user's primary password and the second is an authentication code, or one time password (OTP) which is sent from the application or Web site, to the user via SMS or e-mail. The authentication code, or OTP, will be different for every login and needs to be entered it into the application or website within a certain time period in order to access the account.

The use of SMS for two-factor authentication has become a popular security tool for many businesses that offer an online service. A well-known example is the two-step verification required when signing into a Google account. Activating this feature means that whenever you sign in to your Google account, you are required to enter your primary password as well as a onetime password which is sent to your phone via text, voice call, or via the mobile app.

The benefits of using SMS based two-factor authentication include:

* Reliability;* Cost-effectiveness;* Convenience; and* Easy deployment.

At BulkSMS, we offer a robust two-factor authentication solution using its SMS API. For more information about its SMS API solutions click here.