The text explores the use of time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and hash-based message authentication code (HOTP) as more secure alternatives to traditional passwords, highlighting their roles in multi-factor authentication (MFA). TOTP generates passwords that expire within a set interval, enhancing security by limiting the window for attacks, whereas HOTP uses a counter-based approach, offering longer validity but potentially increased vulnerability to brute force attacks. The choice between TOTP and HOTP depends on factors such as security needs, user experience, time synchronization, and implementation complexity. TOTP generally provides higher security and a smoother user experience, while HOTP may be easier to implement when time synchronization is an issue. The text also mentions Descope, a platform that enables developers to integrate TOTP authentication through no-code workflows, allowing for flexible and secure authentication solutions in applications.