SMS Verification Services

According to research by Google Cloud, credential issues (such as weak passwords or using the same password for everything) make up more than 60% of the compromise factors that lead to “incidents” like hacks and data breaches.

The main advantage of SMS verification is that it adds an extra layer of protection against such issues. It’s safer than only using a password to log into a banking app or ecommerce website.

With SMS verification, a hacker can only access someone’s account if they have physical access to their phone. And if they’ve stolen the phone, they’ll need the username and password for the account. That’s why such processes are known as two-factor authentication (2FA).

Another benefit is that text verification is convenient and user-friendly. Most people are familiar with the process. The number of mobile devices worldwide is set to reach 18.22 billion by 2025, and almost all can receive SMS messages—not just smartphones.

SMS verify services protect businesses and customers alike. Companies can guard against fraud, while end-users know the business is professional and committed to security. Plus, the technology is inexpensive, with no need to install apps or hardware.

These benefits are apparent in the success of SMS verification for Vinted, the online vintage retailer. Vinted was experiencing an increase in fraudulent transactions and needed a convenient and customer-friendly method of user authentication. With Vonage Verify API, they can implement the verification process only if the system flags suspicious behaviors during a transaction.

SMS verification has many advantages, but there are a few downsides as well. For example, it’s not 100 percent secure. Text messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, and third parties might read them. The practice of SIM swapping can also compromise a user’s account.

This is a problem now that many people receive SMS messages on multiple synced devices (such as smartwatches and computers alongside cell phones). This makes it easier for would-be hackers to intercept the verification code.

Lost and stolen phones also present a security threat, while some users might not be willing to supply their mobile phone number to a business for verification. The process only works if there’s a strong cell signal, and businesses incur costs for sending an SMS for each login request. 

You can get around this with alternative authentication methods, such as WhatsApp, email, Silent Authentication, and text-to-speech (TTS). Vonage Verify API offers them all.

Here’s what to look for if your organization is choosing an SMS code verification service:

• Security: This is paramount since the whole concept of text verification is to protect confidential information. Make sure you pick a reputable verification service that’s SOC2 compliant to reduce the risk of hackers intercepting the codes you send. 

   

• Speed and Reliability: Fast, dependable message delivery is also crucial. Remember, users only have a few minutes to input the code before it expires. Ask if your SMS service provider has any fallback methods in the event of delivery failure.

   

• Scalability: A large or growing enterprise with an extensive customer base must send out thousands of verification codes daily. Look for a service capable of handling large-scale message delivery without forfeiting speed.

• Support: Even with a trustworthy service provider, you could still experience IT issues. It is important to choose a vendor that offers robust customer support whenever you need it.