How can you use one-time passwords to secure your online accounts?

1 What are OTPs and how do they work?

OTPs are passwords that are randomly generated and expire after a short period of time or after being used once. They are usually sent to your phone, email, or another device that you own and can access. When you log in to an online account that supports OTPs, you need to enter both your regular password and the OTP that you received. This way, even if someone steals or guesses your password, they cannot access your account without the OTP.

2 Why use OTPs to secure your online accounts?

OTPs can improve the security of your online accounts by adding a second factor of authentication (2FA) to your login process. 2FA means that you need to prove your identity with something you know (your password) and something you have (your OTP). This makes it harder for hackers, phishing attacks, or malware to compromise your account. OTPs can also protect you from keyloggers, brute force attacks, or password reuse attacks, as they change every time and are not stored anywhere.

4 What are some common OTP methods and tools?

When it comes to generating and receiving OTPs, there are various methods and tools available. These include SMS or voice calls, emails, software tokens, and hardware tokens. SMS or voice calls are easy to use, but may be insecure due to potential interception or redirection by hackers. Emails can also be hacked or spoofed with phishing attacks. Software tokens are more secure, as the OTP is not transmitted over the network; however, you need to install and update the app and keep your device secure. Hardware tokens are the most secure option; however, you need to carry and maintain the device and avoid losing or damaging it.