Multi-Factor Authentication: TOTP, SMS, and Passkeys
How each MFA method works, their relative security strengths, and how to implement TOTP-based 2FA in a web application.
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Tags: security, authentication, mfa
Multi-Factor Authentication: TOTP, WebAuthn, and SMS Compared Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the single most effective control against account takeover. A stolen password is worthless if an attacker also needs access to your phone or security key. Yet not all MFA is equal — SMS verification is fundamentally weaker than app-based TOTP, which is weaker than hardware keys. Understanding the threat model behind each method helps you choose and implement the right factor for your application. The Three Factors Authentication factors are grouped into three categories: Something you know: Password, PIN, security question answer Something you have: Phone (TOTP app, SMS), hardware key, smart card Something you are: Fingerprint, face recognition, voice MFA requires at least two factors from…
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