How to Optimize Protection Against Fraud with Banking OTPs
Published: Apr 9, 2024
How many times have you been told to safeguard your information with OTPs? Whether social media or email, your data just might be the target of hackers if you don't have an extra layer of protection to keep them safe. So, if these accounts are so important, why wouldn't you do the same to your bank? This is where internet banking OTPs come into play.
What is a Banking OTP?
A banking one-time password is a security feature used in internet banking to protect online accounts against online identity theft and unauthorized access. It adds an extra layer of security beyond the traditional static passwords. OTPs are typically 6 to 8 digits long, valid for a single use or a short duration—usually 1 to 3 minutes.
When logging into online banking or performing an online transaction, users are required to enter the OTP sent to their registered mobile number via text message. This two-factor authentication method guarantees that even if a hacker obtains the user's static password through methods like keyboard logging, they cannot access the account without the OTP.
Banking OTPs expire quickly, which enhances security further. They are generated by an authentication server and serve as an additional security credential for end users' digital identities. This system helps protect sensitive data, transactions, and maintains the integrity of banks.
How Do Internet Banking OTPs Boost Security?
1. Two-Factor Authentication
Internet banking OTPs employ two-factor authentication. Unlike single-factor authentication, where only a password is required for access, 2FA necessitates an additional verification step. Even if a hacker obtains a user's static password, they cannot access the account without the corresponding OTP.
Get in Touch With Our Experts
Streamline your efforts and centralize your channels with Dexatel's all-in-one platform. Talk to our experts and get all your questions answered.
2. Dynamic OTP Generation
The dynamic nature of OTPs adds to their effectiveness. Each time a user initiates a login, a unique OTP is generated. This one-time password is valid only for a short duration, typically lasting between one to three minutes. This timeframe prevents malicious actors from exploiting intercepted OTPs.
3. Protect Network Access
By requiring OTPs for access, internet banking platforms fortify protection against unauthorized network access. Even if a hacker gains access to a user's network or device, they cannot penetrate the bank account without the OTP sent to the user's registered mobile number. This deters various cyber threats, including phishing attacks and brute-force attempts.
4. Secure Online Transactions
OTP verification provides a safe environment for financial dealings. Users receive an OTP on their registered mobile number, which they must enter to authorize the transaction. This process mitigates the risk of fraudulent activities and unauthorized payments, safeguarding users' finances and maintaining trust in online banking services.
5. OTP Expiry Mechanism
The time-bound nature of OTPs contributes to heightened security. Once generated, OTPs expire after a short duration, typically one to three minutes. This prevents unauthorized access attempts using intercepted or stolen OTPs, ensuring that only the intended user can complete the authentication process.
How is an OTP Bank Access Code Generated?
One-time passwords are generated using a systematic process designed to ensure security and unpredictability. The process involves sophisticated cryptographic algorithms and safe transmission methods to ensure the integrity of banks.
1. Random Generation Algorithm
OTPs are generated using a cryptographically secure random number generator algorithm. This algorithm ensures that each OTP is unique and statistically unpredictable.
2. Time-Based OTP (TOTP) or Event-Based OTP (HOTP)
There are two primary methods for generating OTPs. TOTP generates OTPs based on the current time, usually in intervals of 30 or 60 seconds. HOTP, on the other hand, generates OTPs based on a counter that increments with each use or after a certain number of transactions.
3. Seed Value
To ensure uniqueness, a seed value is used as the starting point for OTP generation. This seed value is typically a random value unique to each user and securely stored in the bank's authentication system.
4. Algorithm Parameters
The OTP generation algorithm also includes parameters such as a secret key, cryptographic hash function, and truncation length. These parameters further enhance the security of the OTP generation process.
5. Transmission to User
Once generated, the second step is transmitting the OTP to the user via SMS to their mobile number. This ensures that only the intended user receives the OTP.
6. Expiration
OTPs have a short lifespan, typically ranging from 1 to 3 minutes. After this period, the OTP expires and becomes invalid.
7. User Input
During the login process or transaction authentication, the user enters the OTP received via SMS into the designated field on the banking platform.
8. Verification
The banking system verifies the entered OTP against the OTP generated by the system using the same algorithm and parameters. If the OTPs match and are within the valid time window, transaction approval is granted.
Best Practices for Managing Banking OTPs on Your Mobile Phone
1. Secure Your Device
Ensure your mobile phone is protected with a strong password or biometric authentication method. Keep your operating system and banking apps up to date with the latest security patches.
2. Use Official Banking Apps
Download banking apps only from official app stores to avoid counterfeit apps that may compromise your security.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Where possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your banking accounts. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just the same password.
4. Regularly Update Contact Information
Keep your phone number updated with your bank to ensure you receive one-time passwords created for transactions and logins.
5. Safeguard SMS Access
If your OTPs are delivered via text, enable SMS banking security features provided by your mobile carrier to prevent unauthorized access to your messages.
6. Be Wary of Phishing
Beware of phishing attempts where attackers impersonate bank officials or send fraudulent messages to obtain your OTPs. Never share your OTP with anyone.
7. Monitor Account Activity
Regularly review your account statement to detect any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
8. Protect Your Debit Card
Safeguard your debit card details stored on your phone and never share them with anyone. Report any lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank.
9. Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the interest rate, term deposit, and other internet banking products and services offered by your bank. If you notice any inconsistencies, you may be a target of text scams.
10. Manage Multiple Accounts
If you have multiple bank accounts, use a secure password manager app to store and manage your login credentials and OTPs for each account separately.
11. Ensure Secure Deposits
Verify the legitimacy of any deposit requests received via mobile banking before authorizing them.
12. Use Reliable Internet Banking Services
Take advantage of services such as loans, payments, and token authentication offered through your bank's mobile app for convenience.
13. Visit Branches for Assistance
If you encounter any issues with your mobile banking app or require assistance, visit your bank's branch for personalized service and support.
14. Avoid Unnecessary Charges
Be cautious of free offers and promotions that may require you to provide sensitive information or authorize transactions without proper verification.
OTP Bank Alternatives: What to Expect
As technology evolves, alternatives to one-time passwords are emerging. One such alternative is payment authentication through biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition. These provide a seamless, passwordless authentication.
Some banks are exploring token-based authentication systems where people can generate a code within their banking app for money transfers and payments. These tokens are generated locally on the device and can only be used for a short period.
