Hardware Token & OTP Generator for Two-Factor Authentication
Even when the user adheres to the recommendations of password length and complexity, in some cases, it is not enough to avoid password theft. When dealing with high-load web applications like mail services, banking, or even Amazon and Facebook, using an OTP authentication (one-time-password authentication) means a way to avoid keylogging attacks. Hideez created a reliable and tamper-resistant way to do this with multifunctional hardware security keys that can generate OTPs, store & autofill your passwords, and more.
What does OTP Mean, And How does it work?
OTP is a password that is valid for only one login session or transaction on a computer system or other digital device. The use of OTP helps to avoid many disadvantages that are associated with traditional (static) password-based authentication.
In simple terms, a service accepting OTPs requires a user to select a preferred OTP generator to deliver this dynamic password.
Some implementations of OTP generators also incorporate two-factor authentication. They ensure that the one-time password requires access to something a person has (such as a Hideez Key with a built-in OTP generator built, or a cellphone) as well as something a person knows (such as a PIN).
What are the benefits of using an OTP generator?
The most crucial advantage addressed by dynamic one-time-passwords is that, in contrast to traditional passwords, they are not vulnerable to replay attacks. It means that a hacker who manages to record an OTP that was already exposed to log into a service or to enforce a transaction will not be able to use it since it will no longer be active. Some OTP systems also aim to ensure that a session cannot easily be intercepted or impersonated without knowing unpredictable data created during the previous session, thus reducing the attack surface further.
OTP generation algorithms typically make use of pseudorandomness or randomness. It is necessary because otherwise, it would be easy to predict future OTPs by observing previous ones. Concrete OTP algorithms vary significantly in their details.
There are different types of OTP generators:
- Based ontime synchronization between the authentication server and the client providing the password (like an OTP generator in Hideez Key)
- Based on a mathematical algorithm to generate a new password based on the previous password.
- Based on a mathematical algorithm where the new password is based on a challenge (e.g., a random number chosen by the authentication server or transaction details) and/or a counter.
There are also different ways to make the user aware of the next OTP to use. Some systems use hardware OTP tokens carried by the user. Such tokens generate OTPs and show them on a small display. Other systems consist of software that runs on the user's mobile phone. Yet other systems generate OTPs on the server-side and send them to the user using an out-of-band channel such as SMS messaging. And, in some systems, OTPs are printed on paper that the user is required to carry.
Hideez offers a better solution for OTP generation and delivery. First of all, Hideez security key inputs the OTP directly to the requested field, which not only saves time but prevents mistakes when the number is mistyped. The channel between the key and the service is encrypted, meaning the code cannot be intercepted, covering the vulnerability associated with SMS-based solutions. Plus, you can use Hideez Key not only as an OTP generator but an advanced password manager so that you will have it by your side in regular use, and it cannot be destroyed as easily as a piece of paper. Additionally, we offer large enterprises an effective solution to secure authentication through our enterprise identity service.
If you are looking for a universal security solution for personal use, you may consider tokens such as the Hideez Key 5. And as for business owners, our experts can help find the right cusomiazble solution for your organization, so don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation right now.
FAQ
What is a one-time password (OTP)?
A one-time password is a password that is valid for only one login session or transaction. Unlike a traditional static password, it cannot be reused, which avoids many of the disadvantages of static password-based authentication.
How does an OTP generator support two-factor authentication?
Some OTP generators also provide two-factor authentication. The one-time password requires something the person has, such as a Hideez Key with a built-in OTP generator or a cell phone, as well as something the person knows, such as a PIN.
Why use one-time passwords instead of static passwords?
OTPs are not vulnerable to replay attacks. If an attacker records an OTP that was already used to log in or confirm a transaction, it can no longer be used because it is no longer active. They also help avoid keylogging attacks.
How does Hideez Key generate and enter one-time passwords?
Hideez Key includes an OTP generator and enters the one-time password directly into the requested field, which saves time and prevents typing mistakes. Besides OTP generation, it works as a password manager that stores and autofills your passwords.
Is a Hideez Key safer than receiving OTPs by SMS?
A code generated on a hardware key is not sent by text message, so there is no SMS that can be intercepted or redirected. This covers a weakness of SMS-based solutions, and the key also keeps working as a password manager.