How secure is SMS authentication?

Summary of the Article:

In the real world, SMS-based 2FA is considered more secure than having no 2FA at all. However, authenticator apps are faster, more reliable, and provide an additional layer of security. SMS text messages are inherently insecure as they can be intercepted and read by anyone. SMS authentication is susceptible to social engineering scams and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. It is possible for hackers to bypass SMS 2FA through social engineering and phishing attacks. SMS OTPs have a long lifetime, and SIM cards can be easily removed and installed in another phone. The safest authentication method is to combine multiple forms of user authentication into a multifactor authentication (MFA) protocol. SMS messages can be hacked, allowing hackers to access private information. Hackers can intercept SMS through tools like Modlishka and exploit vulnerabilities to get hold of verification codes. In 2021, more than 6,000 accounts were hacked using phishing attacks on SMS two-factor authentication.

Questions:

1. Is SMS authentication secure?

But in the real world, where many folks just aren’t going to be comfortable learning how to use an authenticator app or a physical security key, it’s equally accurate to say that SMS-based 2FA is an excellent security feature—because it’s far more secure than the alternative of “no 2FA at all.”

2. Is SMS or Authenticator more secure?

Authenticator apps are not only faster and more reliable than SMS 2FA, they also enforce an additional layer of security, such as a passcode, a password, or biometrics.

3. Why is SMS not safe?

Text messages are insecure as anyone can read received texts, and it’s possible to intercept messages when message data is not end-to-end encrypted.

4. What are the cons of SMS authentication?

The problem with SMS authentication is that it is not encrypted and is highly susceptible to social engineering scams and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. Attackers can also clone or swap user SIM cards to access OTPs and trick phone service providers and users into disclosing secret authentication codes.

5. Can SMS 2FA be hacked?

Social engineering is one of the primary tools hackers use to bypass SMS 2FA. They can approach users directly and attempt to socially engineer them into surrendering a 2FA verification code.

6. What are the disadvantages of SMS 2FA?

Some disadvantages of SMS 2FA include long OTP lifetime, allowing attackers time to conduct cyberattacks, and the ease with which SIM cards can be removed and installed in another phone.

7. Which is the safest authentication method?

The safest authentication method is to combine multiple forms of user authentication into a multifactor authentication (MFA) protocol.

8. Can SMS messages get hacked?

Yes, it’s definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages, enabling a hacker to gain private information, including PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity.

9. How do hackers intercept SMS?

Hackers can intercept SMS through tools like Modlishka by leveraging a technique called reverse proxy, facilitating communication between the victim and a service being impersonated.

10. Can SMS two-factor authentication be hacked?

Hackers can use MITM attack techniques or exploit vulnerabilities in the SMS account recovery process to get hold of verification codes. Phishing attacks on SMS two-factor authentication have also been successful, as seen with Coinbase in 2021.