The Value Of Two Factor Phone Verification

Security has become increasingly important as technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives. Going to the bank, providing identification documents, filling out taxes, and other sensitive actions no longer require physical interactions. Instead, people can complete all of these tasks virtually, over the phone or computer.

To ensure sensitive information is only released to authorized users, organizations have adopted multi-factor authentication methods. With multi-factor authentication, users must successfully prove up to three authentication methods:

• Knowledge – This is information only the user would know, such as security questions (birth dates, mother’s maiden name, PINs, passwords, etc.)
• Possession – This is a document or object only the user has, such as a social security number (or birth certificate, passport, security token, bank card, etc.)
• Inheritance – This is something only the user is or which is part of the user, such as biometric information (fingerprints, voice passwords, etc.)

Knowledge factors are the most commonly used authentication method, although inheritance authentication has also become more popular as smart technology increasingly embraces it as an alternative to traditional phone and account number passwords.

Two-factor authentication is the preferred verification method for many organizations, including banks and other financial institutions.

What is Two-Factor Verification?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) or verification is a subset of multi-factor authentication. It requires that a user provide knowledge (such as a password, PIN number, etc.) and then a second authentication factor other than possession or inheritance. For example, the user may provide a one-time password sent via email or SMS.

This form of authentication is common among many organizations. It is convenient, easy to use, and fast for both users and organizations alike.

Benefits of two-factor verification include:

• With regard to possession, the chances of theft are significantly reduced since users are not carrying around sensitive documents or other physical tokens.
• Dynamically-generated verification information such as one-time SMS passcodes are more secure than using static log-in information, such as usernames and passwords.
• Sensitive information is more secure since each of the three traditional authentication methods can be comparatively easily forged, stolen, or even guessed.

There are still disadvantages to using two-factor verification, but the benefits to users greatly outweigh the potential risks. Even so, users should still be careful and closely monitor emails, SMS, and other information to ensure it comes from a trusted source. Phishing attacks, social engineering attacks, and false account recovery attempts are just three examples of how hackers and other individuals may try to steal your or your customers’ identification information.

How Phone Verification Helps 2FA

In order to use two-factor authentication, you’ll need a reliable form of communication with the customer so that they can successfully complete the second verification step.

Texting via SMS has become the most popular communication medium. This is for the same three reasons listed above, in addition to the fact that many people are already completing the verification process on their phone. Using SMS also allows the customer to complete the authentication anywhere, at any time.

But in order to communicate with your customer, you’ll first need to verify that you have the correct contact information. Sending verification information to the wrong person can lead to compromised accounts and fraud.

So how do you make sure you’re reaching the right customer? This is where a phone verification API comes in.

What Does a Phone Number Verification API Do?

Verification APIs primarily check phone numbers on your contact lists to ensure they’re valid and active. Once it verifies numbers, the API may also standardize your contact lists. All of this means that you’re only using correct contact information, which boosts your success rates and overall marketing and communication strategy results. Phone verification conversions are significantly higher as compared to campaigns that use un-verified contact information.

With these validated numbers, your organization can confidently use SMS to send verification information such as one-time passcodes or even QR access codes.

Benefits of Verifying Phone Numbers With an API

Higher conversion rates isn’t the only benefit of using API verification services, although it’s certainly a great one. Some other advantages include:

• Restricts Contact Times – verification APIs will also restrict communication by time zone, increasing your campaign’s efficiency and ensuring your organization stays in compliance.
• Identifies Mobiles vs. Landlines – these APIs also double as mobile number verification APIs since they can identify which numbers on a contact list belong to mobile phone and which belong to landlines.
• Includes Email Information – API verification services are capable of returning additional information, such as the email domain and SMTP email string data associated with a person’s cell phone provider.
• Validates U.S.-Based Numbers – USA phone number verification is included in many validation services, as is Canadian phone number verification. This means that all North American numbers are included.

You’ll also be able to boost deliverability and reduce contact errors, both of which will save you (and your customers) valuable time and money. With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why so many companies use phone verification APIs in conjunction with two-factor authentication.

Using Phone Verify and Two-Factor Verification

Mobile-based two-factor authentication using SMS has become the most widely-adopted verification method for consumer-facing accounts, and are now expected as well as required where sensitive information is concerned.

Fortunately, it’s never been easier to integrate a mobile verification API into your two-factor authentication process. Esendex’s phone validator verifies and standardizes thousands of numbers throughout the U.S. and Canada for both cell and landline devices, making it easy for you to connect with customers. Give your customers peace of mind with enhanced security measures and simple safety options.

Our programmable phone validator easily integrates with your website, database, or any other system and is completely scalable to fit your unique marketing and communications needs. With Phone Verify, you can boost deliverability, drive conversion rates, and stay in compliance— all with the touch of a button!

Two-factor authentication makes it easy for customers to securely access sensitive information. Phone verification makes it easy for you to provide two-factor authentication to your customers. Get started today to begin verifying contact lists and sending protected verification messages.