The password remains valid for a specific “time step,” generally 30 or 60 seconds, and then a new password must be generated. TOTP is another algorithm that generates a one-time password, but instead of the changing factor being a counter like with HOTP, the changing factor is time. The OTP is valid until a new one is requested and validated on the server. The password changes each time it’s requested, based on a counter that increments each time a new OTP is generated. HOTP is an algorithm that creates a one-time password using a Hash-Based Message Authentication Code (HMAC). They are often used as an additional layer of security on top of a standard password. Once it is used, it is no longer valid for future use. One-time password (OTP)Ī one-time password is a password that is valid for only one login session or transaction. OTP, TOTP, and HOTP are all types of one-time passwords used for authentication, but they are generated differently. If a user does not immediately enter the TOTP, it can expire, so servers must account for this delay in their design to prevent user frustration from repeated lock-outs. The time-sensitive nature of TOTPs can also be a drawback. This is a huge problem for offline, hardware-based tokens, and even though there are various methods to account for this drift, they cannot entirely prevent it from happening. Drift in the time settings can lead to the generated OTP not matching the OTP the server expects, making it useless. Lastly, the TOTP algorithm depends on precise time synchronization between the token generator (usually a hardware device or software application) and the server. If an attacker gains access to this shared secret, they could generate new valid TOTP codes at will, which can be particularly dangerous if a large authentication database is breached. This creates more places from where the secret can be potentially stolen. Secondly, TOTP relies on a shared secret known by both the client and the server. Attackers could mimic these sites and trick users into revealing their one-time passwords. Firstly, users need to enter passwords into an authentication page, which can increase the potential for phishing attacks. Time-based one-time passwords do have a few weaknesses. Weaknesses of time-based one-time passwords Moreover, TOTPs encourage users to authenticate their operations swiftly, increasing operational efficiency. TOTPs boost safety in multi-factor authentication systems, making it harder for cybercriminals to breach accounts even if they have the user’s basic login details. Even if someone intercepts the password, they won’t be able to use it after the limited time window expires.įurthermore, every TOTP is unique, reducing duplication risks. They are efficient in preventing unauthorized access because they are valid only for a short duration. Time-based one-time passwords are more secure and are not easily compromised. Strengths of time-based one-time passwords After receiving the code, the user inputs it to verify their identity. TOTPs can be delivered through various methods such as hardware security tokens, mobile authenticator apps, text messages, email or voice messages from a centralized server. A one-time password in HOTP can stay valid until it’s used to authenticate, providing plenty of time for potential hackers to carry out an attack. In TOTP, a new password is generated every 30 seconds while in HOTP, a new password is generated only after it has been used. It’s noteworthy that TOTPs are more secure than HOTPs. The robustness of a hash function is that you cannot reproduce the original parameters that went into it if you only have the output. The process involves a hash function that takes an arbitrary length input and produces a short, fixed-length string of characters. The TOTP algorithm is technically a variation of the HMAC-Based One-Time Password (HOTP) algorithm, where the counter is replaced with the current time value. Time-based one-time passwords use the current time and a shared secret to generate a unique password. TOTPs are usually enabled via authentication apps and the generated passwords are only valid for a certain period of time, usually 30 to 60 seconds. This method is commonly used for two-factor authentication (2FA) to provide an additional layer of security. It is a temporary passcode, generated by an algorithm, that uses the current time of day as one of its factors for authentication. A time-based one-time password (TOTP) is a type of one-time password that uses the current time as a source of uniqueness.
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