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In the article, I will discuss SMS two-factor authentication and present its benefits. 

The growing number of hacker attacks has made online security a popular topic. Fraudsters develop new crime methods almost every day, waiting for security vulnerabilities to exploit user data. Yours as well. There are many ways to prevent it. One of them is the SMS two-step verification (2FA).

What Is the Two-Factor SMS Verification?

Two-factor SMS authentication (SMS TFA) requires using two independent login methods. You need a password set during registration and a mobile phone to use it.

The solution significantly increases your online security by minimising the risk of hacking your account. Usually, you have your smartphone at hand and can unlock it using a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN code, which also increases protection. 

It is worth noting that besides the SMS method, there are also a few other ways to set the two-factor authentication:

• e-mail message – works similarly to the SMS method. After getting a code on your e-mail address, you have to copy it to the appropriate field,
• push notification – you get the notification on your smartphone and have to authorise the action by pressing the button,
• applications – some companies create apps that generate a one-time access code. Simply install one on your smartphone. A good example might be Google Authenticator. 

Why Is It Worth Implementing the Two-Step SMS Verification on Your Website?

Polish users are more aware of the consequences of data leaks. Sadly, according to the CBM Indicator reports, only 50% of respondents use two-factor authentication. Why? Possibly because entering an additional password takes more time. However, those extra seconds can save you from much bigger problems than just wasting time.

According to the Barometr Cyberbezpieczeństwa 2024 reports, phishing is the most common method of extorting data on the Internet. Both individuals and corporations are victims of this method, so companies organise training sessions to increase awareness of phishing attacks. The problem is enormous. The Bolster report indicates that in 2023 alone, the number of phishing sites exceeded 13.4 million. 

Phishing starts with data theft, for example, through security vulnerabilities. This is when criminals can obtain your phone number, e-mail address and send messages with malicious links. They might also try to use your password on other sites. 

SMS TFA is vital in such situations. Even if the scammers enter the correct password, they must also copy the one-time code sent to your phone. There is no reason to panic. In such a situation, simply change your password and ensure the website data has not been compromised. 

Remember!

Do not use the same password on different websites. 

Every company should care about user security. Two-factor SMS authentication increases trust among potential clients, which translates into better financial results. No one wants to work with someone who does not care about their partners’ data. 

Two-step verification is also universal and convenient. Customers can use it for login attempts and, for example, transaction authorisation. Moreover, SMS verification is relatively easy to implement due to the high availability of API solutions. You can use SMSAPI, for instance. 

When is The Two-Step Verification Useful?

Two-factor SMS authentication proves helpful almost any time. However, there are situations in which it is crucial. Here are some of them:

• logging into sensitive accounts – login details for e-commerce platforms or social media are particularly vital. In the wrong hands, they can pose a serious threat to the security or finances,
• password reset – do you want to ensure that no one changes your password and blocks access to your account? In such a situation, use the SMS TFA,
• changes to the account – if the customer wants to change their payment card details in e-commerce, two-step verification will be helpful,
• transaction authorisation – setting SMS verification when making online purchases can protect customers from unauthorised transactions,
• system changes – if you are a website admin, setting a two-factor SMS authentication can secure access to content management systems, etc. 

These are only some of the places and situations where two-step SMS verification can prove helpful. However, they are crucial since they store sensitive data, and their leakage may result in serious consequences.

How to Implement Two-Step SMS Verification on Your Website? 

Implementing a two-factor authentication requires proper preparation and a few additional steps. Let’s go through them together. 

1. Choose an API provider. SMSAPI, for example. 
2. After registration, obtain an API key, account ID, and authentication token.
3. You can now implement the correct code that integrates API.
4. Create the user interface – add appropriate fields, such as phone number and SMS code. 
5. Remember to encode user data. Pay special attention to phone numbers and one-time SMS access codes. 
6. Test if everything is okay and make necessary corrections.

You have completed the technical part. To encourage customers to use this solution, prepare a PDF manual or place a mini guide on the page. Remember, implementing two-step authentication influences users’ trust, particularly in online stores or services handling sensitive information.

Two-Factor SMS Authentication in Drupal

What does implementing two-step SMS verification on a website look like? I will use Drupal as an example. Thanks to the API-First architecture, it can easily integrate with various external systems, including SMS sending. Installing and configuring a ready-made solution (plugin) is the simplest way. It is best to use the modules available on the official SMSAPI website or drupal.org. 

This is where you can find the TFA SMSAPI module, created by the Smartbees team. The solution facilitates integrating Drupal with SMSAPI and encourages website owners to use the two-step SMS verification. The module offers easy configuration and an intuitive interface – and it is free! 

Where did the idea for the solution come from? Drupal is a versatile system used to build websites for universities, large enterprises, and e-commerce companies. Such websites require special attention. Although the CMS offers advanced security features, you can never be too careful. That is why it is worth getting additional protection. Two-factor authentication might help you gain potential customers’ trust.

When the Two-Step SMS Authentication Might Not Be Effective?

SMS TFA effectively protects against online attacks. However, you should follow some basic security rules when using this method for websites and online stores.

• Update your phone number – seemingly, it is obvious. However, if you change your phone number and do not update it in your account settings, you may have trouble logging in,
• secure your smartphone – any of us can lose a phone. This is when the PIN code, biometrics, or password lock function comes in handy. In such situations, unauthorised persons will not be able to read the SMS with a one-time code,
• do not ignore notifications – if you did not try to log in and still received the SMS with the code, react. Ignoring the message might have unpleasant consequences, 
• do not use public numbers – using a temporary or public phone number is not a recommended solution because other people can easily access your account. 

Summary

Two-factor SMS verification might be one of your biggest allies when it comes to keeping your website or online store data safe. If you have this option as a user, consider using it. From the website owner’s perspective, implementing SMA TFA allows you to protect user data and gain their trust from the first visit. 

Meet your expert:

Sebastian Zawadzki – Tech Lead at Smartbees

He has been creating websites since his early years. Started by building an online forum, and now, he supports advanced corporate services and e-commerce platforms.