Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method used to protect your customers’ online accounts. In this process, users not only need to provide their username and password, but also a verification code as a second security measure. This verification code can be sent, for example, as an SMS to the user’s mobile phone, and is therefore independent of the user’s computer. Therefore, a potential attacker must obtain the password while simultaneously gaining access to the user’s mobile phone. This makes a potential attack more difficult and significantly increases security, especially in the case of phishing attacks.
What benefits does 2FA via SMS offer?
Two-factor authentication via physical devices such as a token generator, a card reader, or a USB key has the disadvantage that they always have to be carried by the user. With a mobile phone, this is already automatically the case and does not restrict the user’s comfort. However, other devices are forgotten, and this can significantly complicate access. Additionally, these devices not only cost money due to the one-time purchase, but they also need to be replaced regularly.
Two-factor authentication via SMS avoids these problems arising from physical use by sending a unique and non-reusable security code consisting of numbers or letters.
Currently, there are also applications that allow customers to perform this double authentication via the app on their phone. However, these must be installed beforehand by the user. The user must learn to use these applications, and often problems arise when switching to a new mobile phone. The support effort cannot be underestimated. This applies especially to app compatibility due to the high number of different Android devices and versions.
Instead, A2F allows anyone to receive this code via SMS with a range of more than 99%. For this reason, major internet companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, Hotmail, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, and Microsoft offer the option to protect your account with this SMS authentication. Google itself offers an app for 2FA, but it mainly uses SMS itself.
Furthermore, it forces your customers or users to always update their mobile phone number in your database, so that you can easily contact them on that number later as well.
LOX24 and 2FA for your company
The delivery of the security code is possible with the integration of the LOX24 API. Our SMS API connects your software or application to all mobile networks worldwide. With our 2FA API, you can send SMS automatically and securely, without one-time or monthly fixed costs. Additionally, our API connection is made with https, so it is compatible with virtually all programming languages. Your data is protected with the highest security standards (256-bit encrypted).
We also offer 24-hour technical support. This way, you can contact us at any time. For these reasons, companies all over the world rely on LOX24 to send their SMS messages easily, quickly, and securely.
Advantages
- They do not need a physical device like a token generator or the installation of a separate application; instead, they use a function that the user already has in their pocket at all times.
- The 2FA code is constantly renewable and has a defined period of use, so only the actual user can enter the data or information to be maintained.
- There is always a code available, even in roaming, behind a firewall that blocks your app, or even without internet.
- Your website is configured for a maximum number of failed attempts, which reduces the risk of an attack by unauthorized persons.
- Easy integration into your software via the https API, immediate availability for your users and no installation costs.