Are one-time passwords (OTPs) leaving merchants and enterprises vulnerable to security breaches? Imagine a scenario where a hacker directly intercepts and exploits an OTP on your mobile device, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive company information. What could this mean for the safety and reputation of your business?
How confident are you in the security of your authentication methods? What alternative can you seek that will enhance the performance of your business and keep your customers, employees and information secure? In today’s digital landscape, secure authentication methods are crucial for businesses.
While one-time passwords have been widely used, a new and innovative solution has emerged as a superior alternative—sound technology. By leveraging proximity tokens and sound-based authentication, organizations can enhance security, user experience and operational efficiency. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the benefits of sound technology and how it’s transforming authentication as you once knew it.
Why Proximity Tokens Matter: Data Over Sound vs OTP
Sound technology offers numerous advantages for product managers, CEOs, CTOs and innovators of today:
- Contactless transactions.
- Customer satisfaction.
- Increased sales.
- Reduced hardware costs.
- And more…
But most importantly, data over sound technology enhances security by using encrypted audio signals, mitigating the risk of interception or tampering that is commonly found with alternative methods, like OTP. By leveraging this innovative technology, leaders can provide a modern, secure and efficient payment and communication experience for their end users.
Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention
Sound technology offers an unprecedented level of security compared to traditional OTPs, which are susceptible to various vulnerabilities, such as interception, phishing attacks and SIM swapping. In contrast, sound technology relies on proximity tokens, which are encrypted audio signals generated by a mobile device and transmitted via speakers or near-ultrasonic sound waves.
LISNR’s near-ultrasonic data-over-sound technology enables proximity verification and contactless transactions utilizing a customizable performance range that extends from a few centimeters, to several meters, with best-in-class transmission reliability and confirmation. The LISNR Radius product can be optimized for:
- Short Range – Reliable 1:1 ultrasonic data transfer and authentication (SDK) between devices to facilitate a contactless transaction between a client and host device within a single foot.
- Long Range – One-to-many ultrasonic data transfer (SDK) between devices greater than 10 feet. Optimized for long range control and reliability of data transmission.
The use of proximity tokens ensures that the authentication process occurs only in close proximity between the user’s mobile device and the receiving device. This physical proximity requirement adds an additional layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for malicious actors to intercept or manipulate the authentication process.
Seamless User Experience and Convenience
Sound technology offers a seamless and user-friendly authentication experience. Unlike OTPs that require users to enter codes manually, sound-based authentication eliminates the hassle of typing or copying codes, enhancing convenience and reducing user errors.
With sound technology, users simply need to bring their mobile device near the receiving device equipped with a microphone or speaker. The proximity token is transmitted automatically, eliminating the need for manual input. This streamlined process not only saves time but also improves user satisfaction and engagement.
Furthermore, sound technology eliminates the dependency on cellular networks or internet connectivity for OTP delivery. Users can authenticate even in low-signal areas or when offline, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical systems and services.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings
Implementing sound technology for authentication offers significant operational efficiency and cost-saving benefits for businesses. OTPs often require integration with third-party SMS gateways or email systems, resulting in additional infrastructure and maintenance costs. Acting as a secure local proxy for data transmission, LISNR’s technology removes the need for complex, expensive and power-consuming wireless technologies.
Sound technology leverages the existing speakers or microphones on devices, eliminating the need for additional hardware or software integration. Moreover, sound-based authentication eliminates the need to manage and track OTP delivery channels, such as SMS or email. This reduces administrative overhead and allows organizations to allocate resources more effectively, resulting in improved operational efficiency and productivity.
Proof-Present Authentication
As merchants and enterprises strive for stronger security measures and enhanced user experiences, sound technology emerges as a superior alternative to One-Time Passwords (OTPs). By leveraging proximity tokens and sound-based authentication, organizations can enhance security, streamline user experiences, and improve operational efficiency. With its heightened security measures, seamless user experience, and cost-saving advantages, sound technology is transforming the authentication landscape.
LISNR’s non-captive near-field association provides proof-present authentication enabled through proximity tokens. From entry validation to payments and fulfillment, LISNR empowers merchant micro-moments across the customer journey. To learn more about sound as an alternative to one-time passwords and how you can ensure the safety and security of your transactions, contact us today.