How can SMS be intercepted?
SMS messages can be intercepted by hackers due to weaknesses in the rickety old protocol that powers them. This puts financial and other accounts at risk. Authorities can deploy stingrays to snoop on the contents of text messages in an area.
Is 2fa SMS better than nothing?
Yes, app-based two factor authentication is better than SMS-based authentication. But, if SMS is all a service offers, it’s still better than not using it at all. An attacker will have to spend time bypassing your SMS verification. And most targets probably aren’t worth that much effort.
How long are text messages saved by phone companies?
Some phone companies also keep records of sent text messages. They sit on the company’s server for anywhere from three days to three months, depending on the company’s policy. Verizon holds texts for up to five days and Virgin Mobile keeps them for 90 days.
How are attackers still bypassing SMS 2FA codes?
Malware Intercept: Since at least 2014, custom malware has infected mobile phones and intercepted the SMS-based 2FA codes as they arrived. Sometimes this malware was part of a banking trojan package. Other times, the malware would just forward the 2FA codes to the attacker, and voila, game over.
Is it possible to intercept an SMS OTP?
And, forum website Reddit recently discovered a breach and claims that the attacker was able to steal administrative credentials by intercepting the administrator’s OTP that was sent via SMS. Opponents of SMS-based MFA believe that this act – obtaining OTPs sent via SMS – is trivial in 2018.
Are there any opponents of SMS based MFA?
Opponents of SMS-based MFA believe that this act – obtaining OTPs sent via SMS – is trivial in 2018. Let’s examine some of the methods that attackers can employ to accomplish this.
What can I use instead of SMS 2FA?
For example for simple 2FA, let’s say for online storage, you have your Active Directory ID and password, and then an OTP to get access. You can use certificates as well. Again it’s up to us to ensure security – if not, then the blame is on us.