You may often receive an OTP code when trying to log in to a particular website or application account. The OTP code is indeed used as a security system to keep your account more secure and avoid illegal attempts to enter your account.
However, with cyber crimes increasing every year, this type of verification method is often the target of internet criminals. So that you understand better, let's look at the explanation of what OTP is.
What is OTP Code?
The OTP code stands for One-Time Password, which means a temporary password. OTP codes are usually used to assist the verification process when logging in or making transactions, both on computer systems and other digital devices.
OTP is a one-way application provider to keep its users safe from cybercrime. By working with an OTP that only uses one time or a one-time password, this method can help the user verification process become faster and more secure.
The OTP code is temporary, meaning it can only be used once within a certain period. This way of working helps the verification process faster and more securely.
The OTP code is obtained based on machine performance or machine-generated, so the code generated is confidential. No one can know it apart from the recipient of the code from the device it is using.
Most OTP codes also use a pseudorandomness or randomness algorithm. This will make the next OTP code very difficult to predict. The OTP code has general characteristics such as being highly confidential, will expire in a few moments, being only used once, and being in the form of numbers, characters, or a combination of both.
Types of OTP Codes
Based on the level of security, there are 3 types of OTP codes that you can understand to keep your device safe in transactions.
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On-Demand Tokens
This type of OTP is a type of OTP that is considered less secure but is often used because of its convenience. Due to its low level of security, this type of OTP is often used for digital crime modes. This OTP is usually sent via SMS, email, or telephone.
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Soft Tokens
This type of OTP has a better level of security compared to On Demand Token because it utilizes authentication applications to process codes based on the set of keys you have, one of which is Google Authenticator.
Source: Google Play Store
However, this type of OTP also has drawbacks. The OTP code can be seen on other devices if the authentication application is also installed beside the main device used. To overcome this, you can choose authentication protected by a PIN.
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Hard Tokens
Hard Token type OTP code is an OTP with the most guaranteed level of security because it directly accesses the physical token without being connected to other devices. So, this OTP code is not sent via SMS, email, or telephone, so it is difficult to hack.
From the explanation of the types of OTP above, OTP codes are generally sent via several mediums, such as SMS, Email, telephone, and WhatsApp. Because you need to protect, the OTP sent through the medium.
The difference between OTP and PIN
OTP is a security system with a two-way authentication method that is highly confidential. There are at least 4 differences between OTP and PIN codes.
1. OTP is temporary, and PIN is permanent unless the user changes the PIN code.
2. The OTP is generated by the system, while the customer himself generates the PIN and Password.
3. OTP changes based on the security system algorithm are only valid once. In contrast, the PIN is changed by the customer and can be used many times.
4. OTP combinations tend to be more difficult to identify because only customers receive the OTP code, while PINs will be easier for hackers to detect because customers tend to use combinations that are easy to guess and used for multiple accounts.
That's the discussion about OTP and its difference from PIN. Ensure you keep the OTP code secret, and don't give it to other people you don't know!