Safety breaches in the digital era are a common occurrence. Cybercriminals are looking for approaches to access personal facts. One way to help guard against these assaults is by using two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds a further layer of protection to your identity management systems.
EnableX multichannel CPaaS makes it easy to put in force 2FA through various channels such as video, voice, SMS, and WhatsApp for Business API, providing a convenient and secure manner for end users get the right of entry to their accounts.
In this blog, we will explore the following:
- Why is 2-factor authentication important
- Trends in identity management solutions globally
- How to set up 2-FA using SMS OTP, the most widely used channel
- How to turn on two factor authentication on various platforms and channels
- Explore new trends in 2-factor authentication globally
- How EnableX can help you create secure login and transaction workflows using 2FA on new communication channels using Video, WhatsApp and Voice
What is 2-factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also known as dual-factor authentication. It is a security method that adds an extra layer of protection to online accounts. It involves the use of two different factors to verify a user’s identity such as something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a mobile device). This authentication process helps prevent unauthorized access to online accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond a password.
What is multichannel Two-factor authentication?
Multi-channel authentication (MCA) refers to a process of authentication that involves multiple communication channels for exchanging authentication data. This means that each level of authentication uses a different channel for transmitting and receiving data, providing an extra layer of security.
For example, the first level of authentication may involve sending an SMS code to the user’s phone, while the second level may involve a biometric scan, or a token code generated by a separate app.
By using multiple channels, MCA can provide protection against real-time attacks like man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker can intercept and manipulate data exchanged between the user and the online service in real-time.
Why is two factor authentication important?
2FA is important for online security because it helps prevent hacking, identity theft, and data breaches. Hackers and cybercriminals can easily hack or steal online accounts protected by passwords alone, making them insufficient for security purposes. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, making them more difficult to hack. This helps prevent account takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
2FA reduces the risk of data breaches and safeguards financial and personal information. It makes accessing accounts more convenient and can enhance the user experience. Additionally, some regulatory frameworks mandate 2FA implementation to ensure compliance with security standards.
What are the different types of 2-factor authentication?
2FA commonly uses SMS authentication, push notifications, mobile apps, biometric authentication, and hardware tokens.
To use SMS authentication, the user receives a code on their phone. For push notifications, the user gets a message that they must approve to log in. Mobile apps generate a code for the user to use. Biometric authentication uses physical traits like fingerprints or facial recognition. Hardware tokens provide a code for authentication.
In addition, some 2FA solutions may offer voice or video authentication, which involves using a phone call or live video stream to verify the user’s identity. Each authentication method has its own strengths and weaknesses and may be better suited for different types of accounts or user preferences.
For example, SMS may be more reliable in areas with poor internet connectivity, while biometric authentication may be more convenient for users who want a faster and easier login process.
How EnableX Multichannel CPaaS assists with setting up 2FA
EnableX multichannel CPaaS helps organisations manage an end-to-end process for implementing 2FA through various channels, including video, voice, SMS, and WhatsApp. While there are many standalone providers in the authentication and identity management industry, two types of organizations can have better control and cost management using a CPaaS to build their 2FA systems- startups, where specific use cases require additional security and full-fledged identity management systems are too expensive. Large enterprises with in-house IT teams can configure custom 2 factor deployments basis their business realities, something large identity management vendors can’t provide.
How to set up two factor authentication using Video:
EnableX’s Video API allows embedding real-time video chat into applications, which can be used for face-to-face authentication. For instance, a user may be required to expose their face on camera to confirm their identity before accessing their account.
| Use cases | Scenario |
| Banking | For secure remote banking transactions (to perform high-value transactions) and access to sensitive information, ensuring face-to-face authentication even when not physically present. |
| Healthcare | For telemedicine appointments to verify patients’ identities before accessing confidential medical information. |
| Government-services | For crucial government services and portals by verifying the identity of individuals and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. |
| Education | For remote exams and academic certifications to verify student identity before granting portal access. |
How to set up two factor authentication using Voice API
EnableX’s Voice API can be used for voice-based authentication, where the user is needed to offer a voice sample to verify their identification. This could involve the user repeating a selected word or imparting a voiceprint that is compared to a pre-recorded sample.
| Use cases | Scenario |
| Call centres | For customer support in call centres to verify customer identity using voice authentication before account access or transactions. |
| Banking | To verify customers’ identities when they call in for assistance or to perform transactions using voice authentication. |
| Government-services | For secure access to sensitive information and to verify the identity of individuals applying for services or accessing portals. |
| Security-systems | For granting access to secure areas or unlocking devices such as smartphones and computers in security systems. |
How to set up SMS 2 factor authentication
EnableX’s SMS API may be used to send one-time passwords (OTPs) through textual content messages, which can be used as the second factor of authentication. During login, users are prompted to enter the OTP sent to their mobile device to confirm their identity.
| Use cases | Scenario |
| E-commerce | To verify identity, a customer making an online purchase may enter an OTP sent via SMS. |
| Social media | For added security, a user resetting their password may be prompted to enter an OTP sent via SMS |
| Banking | For added security, a customer making an online transaction may be prompted to enter an OTP sent via SMS. |
| Government-services | To ensure identity, a citizen accessing a government portal may enter an OTP sent via SMS. |
Two factor authentication using WhatsApp
EnableX’s WhatsApp business API may be used to send OTPs through WhatsApp, supplying a convenient and comfortable way for users to get the right of entry to their debts. The consumer can obtain the OTP as a WhatsApp message, and then input it into the login display screen to verify their identification.
| Use cases | Scenario |
| Banking | Customers may receive OTPs through WhatsApp to verify their identity when accessing their accounts or performing transactions. |
| Healthcare | Patients accessing their medical records or telemedicine appointments may receive OTPs through WhatsApp to ensure their identity. |
| E-commerce | Customers making online purchases may receive OTPs through WhatsApp to verify their identity before completing transactions. |
| Government services | Citizens accessing government portals to pay taxes or renew licenses may receive OTPs through WhatsApp to ensure their identity. |
| Social media | Users attempting to reset their passwords may receive OTPs through WhatsApp for added security. |
| Travel & Hospitality | For flight booking or hotel reservation confirmations, where the customer needs to confirm their identity before receiving their itinerary details through WhatsApp. |
Combining Communication Channels for Secure and Seamless Multifactor Authentication
Using multiple communication channels for 2FA can enhance the security of authentication processes and provide a seamless user experience. For example, video-based 2FA can be combined with voice-based or SMS-based authentication, allowing users to choose the most convenient and secure method for their needs.
| Combination Channels | Use Cases | Scenario |
| Video + SMS | Banking: Online banking login verification Healthcare: Access to medical records | A user attempting to log in to their account may first be prompted to record a video for video-based 2FA. If the video is successfully verified, a unique code could be sent to their mobile phone via SMS for SMS-based 2FA. The user would then enter the code to complete the authentication process. |
| Voice + WhatsApp | Banking: Mobile banking app login verification Education: Access to medical record | A user attempting to access their account via a mobile app could be prompted to speak a specific word or phrase for voice-based 2FA. If their voice is recognized, a unique code could be sent to their WhatsApp account for WhatsApp-based 2FA. The user would then enter the code to complete the authentication process. |
| SMS + Voice | Banking: Online banking login verification E-commerce: Online purchase | A customer wants to log into their bank account. They can first verify their identity through SMS-based 2FA, and then provide a voice-based password to access their account information. |
| Video + Voice+ SMS | Healthcare: Telemedicine appointment initiation Banking: Financial transaction initiation | A user attempting to initiate a financial transaction could be prompted to record a video of themselves for video-based 2FA, speak a specific word or phrase for voice-based 2FA, and receive a unique code via SMS for SMS-based 2FA. The user would then enter the code to complete the authentication process. |
| Video + Voice + WhatsApp | Healthcare: Access to medical records via mobile app Banking: Loan application via mobile app | A user needs to access their medical records. They can first verify their identity through video-based 2FA, provide a voice-based password for additional security, and then receive a unique code through WhatsApp-based 2FA to access their records. |
| SMS + Voice + WhatsApp | Banking: Online banking login verification E-commerce: Online purchase | A customer wants to log into their bank account. They can first verify their identity through SMS-based 2FA, then provide a voice-based password, and finally receive a unique code through WhatsApp-based 2FA to access their account information. |
| Video + SMS + WhatsApp | Finance: Loan application | A user wants to apply for a loan. They can first verify their identity through video-based 2FA, receive a unique code through SMS-based 2FA to confirm their application, and finally receive updates and notifications about their loan status through WhatsApp-based 2FA. |
| Voice + SMS + WhatsApp | Education: Online exam portal access E-commerce: Online purchase | A student wants to access their exam portal. They can first verify their identity through voice-based 2FA, receive a unique code via SMS for SMS-based 2FA, and then enter a code sent via WhatsApp for WhatsApp-based 2FA to access the portal. |
| Video + Voice + WhatsApp | Healthcare: Mobile app medical record access Banking: Loan application via mobile app | A patient wants to access their medical records via a mobile app. They can first verify their identity through video-based 2FA, then record a spoken word for voice-based 2FA. They are then prompted to enter a unique code sent via WhatsApp for WhatsApp-based 2FA to access their medical records. |
| Video + Voice + SMS + WhatsApp | Banking: High-value online transactions E-commerce: Online purchases of high-value items. | A user needs to access their online account to perform a high-value transaction. First, they are prompted to record a video of themselves for video-based 2FA. If the video is verified, they are prompted to speak a specific word or phrase for voice-based 2FA. If their voice is recognized, a unique code is sent to their mobile phone via SMS for SMS-based 2FA. Finally, they are prompted to enter the code received through WhatsApp-based 2FA to complete the authentication process. |
Advantages of EnableX Multichannel CPaaS for 2FA
With the aid of the usage of EnableX multichannel CPaaS for 2FA, organizations can experience several advantages, such as:
Enhanced security: With 2FA, there is an added layer of protection against unauthorized access, reducing the risk of security breaches and fraud.
Convenience: The use of multiple channels for 2FA, such as video, voice, SMS, and WhatsApp Business, provides users with a convenient and accessible way to authenticate their identity.
Customization: EnableX’s APIs can be custom designed to suit the precise needs of every business, allowing for a tailor-made solution that meets their particular security necessities.
Scalability: EnableX’s multichannel CPaaS can be scaled to meet the needs of any business, from small startups to large enterprises, ensuring that they can implement 2FA effectively.
What are the alternatives to 2-factor authentication?
There are several alternatives to 2FA, including password less authentication, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric authentication, and risk-based authentication. Password less authentication involves using other factors to verify a user’s identity, such as biometrics or a physical token. SSO allows users to log in to multiple accounts with a single account’s credentials. While convenient, it can allow threat actors to gain access using a compromised first account. As a result, the primary account itself should have 2FA, and any sensitive resources, or specific system settings within your business tools should have two factor authentication.
Data privacy and security have become a growing concern for businesses and individuals alike. As cyberattacks and data breaches continue to rise, implementing a robust security framework that includes 2FA has become more important than ever before.
In conclusion, EnableX’s Multichannel CPaaS offers a comprehensive and secure platform for you to implement 2FA using a combination of video, voice, SMS, and WhatsApp Business channels. By utilizing multiple authentication factors, you can provide enhanced security while also delivering a seamless user experience.
With EnableX, you can customize your 2FA solution to fit your unique security requirements and scale as they grow.
Secure your business with our comprehensive platform for implementing 2FA using multiple authentication factors. Visit our website or contact us now for a viable solution and a powerful platform to protect your sensitive information and services.
