One-Time Password (OTP) Bots: How They Work and How to Defend Against Them

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), often using One-Time Passwords (OTPs), is a widely adopted security measure designed to add an extra layer of protection to user accounts by requiring a second factor beyond just a password. However, cybercriminals have developed OTP bots to bypass this security layer by intercepting the OTPs, thus gaining unauthorized access to accounts. These bots, which are often purchased on platforms like Telegram, exploit social engineering tactics to manipulate users into sharing their OTPs, and they pose a significant threat to both individuals and businesses by enabling account takeovers, financial loss, and reputational damage. OTP bots can operate through various methods, such as voice calls, SMS, app-based interfaces, and more, making them a versatile and growing concern for security systems. To mitigate the risks posed by OTP bots, strategies like password breach detection, bot detection, suspicious IP detection, and TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Passwords) are recommended to enhance security and protect sensitive information from these sophisticated attacks.