For one that requires more training and support. However I think the biggest reason is that it is predictable and requires access to the device. You also can’t steal a phone number as easily as stealing poorly secured keys
Poorly secured keys usually still require device access, unless they are secured so poorly that the individual would be compromised in one of many other ways regardless.
Stealing a phone number requires, at most, paying off an employee at a telco company. At best it just requires a call and some social engineering. And don’t forget, people who leave their phone laying around without a passcode exist.
Now, neither of these are really options for a dragnet approach, they’d need to be targeted. But the fact that one can be done fully remote should be a red flag.
You’re misunderstanding. Totp apps require authentication to use them, be it a password or bio-authentication. SMS does not, it just requires the phone number.
You can get the phone number through any number of ways, but it can be done remotely meaning no one ever interacts with you or your phone. Through various methods, they have your phone number transferred to a different phone, and then have the SMS sent directly to them.
Totp apps (typically) have a backup system in place. 1password as an example, uses their servers to host the data. But you can also back that up. The chances of someone gaining unauthorized access to your Totp account comes down to your security, and which service is chosen. 1password again as an example, is fully encrypted, they can’t see your passwords, if you forget your security token, the only solution is to wipe the entire password store and start again.
The difference in security is mountainous. It’s the difference between a single family home, and a bank vault.
My bank has its own authenticator app, which doesn’t work on my phone. Piece of crap. They now enabled fingerprint login without additional 2FA somehow, and I can also authorise payments with biometrics. Only to change my limits, update address etc. I have to use the app (on an old Pixel 3a as a standby device just for this purpose).
I would change banks. Stuff like this is a reminder why letting government run such services is a bad idea. (I’m sure your bank isn’t state owned but still)
My bank requires SMS mfa
Admittedly I kind of see why
Why?
Totp is easier, cheaper, and more secure. It makes no sense to go with SMS.
For one that requires more training and support. However I think the biggest reason is that it is predictable and requires access to the device. You also can’t steal a phone number as easily as stealing poorly secured keys
Poorly secured keys usually still require device access, unless they are secured so poorly that the individual would be compromised in one of many other ways regardless.
Stealing a phone number requires, at most, paying off an employee at a telco company. At best it just requires a call and some social engineering. And don’t forget, people who leave their phone laying around without a passcode exist.
Now, neither of these are really options for a dragnet approach, they’d need to be targeted. But the fact that one can be done fully remote should be a red flag.
The issue being what do you do when your phone gets stolen? You can get a new SIM with the same number easily. What’s the solution for TOTP?
You’re misunderstanding. Totp apps require authentication to use them, be it a password or bio-authentication. SMS does not, it just requires the phone number.
You can get the phone number through any number of ways, but it can be done remotely meaning no one ever interacts with you or your phone. Through various methods, they have your phone number transferred to a different phone, and then have the SMS sent directly to them.
Totp apps (typically) have a backup system in place. 1password as an example, uses their servers to host the data. But you can also back that up. The chances of someone gaining unauthorized access to your Totp account comes down to your security, and which service is chosen. 1password again as an example, is fully encrypted, they can’t see your passwords, if you forget your security token, the only solution is to wipe the entire password store and start again.
The difference in security is mountainous. It’s the difference between a single family home, and a bank vault.
Yes and muggers ask you for your phone pin. Ask me how I know. I am guessing this is why you need a separate password when using 2FA
I see now that there is a backup in place for losing a phone. That’s primarily what I was concerned about.
My bank has its own authenticator app, which doesn’t work on my phone. Piece of crap. They now enabled fingerprint login without additional 2FA somehow, and I can also authorise payments with biometrics. Only to change my limits, update address etc. I have to use the app (on an old Pixel 3a as a standby device just for this purpose).
I would change banks. Stuff like this is a reminder why letting government run such services is a bad idea. (I’m sure your bank isn’t state owned but still)
I can’t, live abroad and no bank I contacted would open accounts for non-residents.
I have other accounts where I live, but all my investments and major holdings are sent back home.
Oh, well that’s a tough situation.