One-Time Password Authenticator

Full Title or Meme

Authenticators are devices in the user possession that can generate a one-time password.

Context

• Security Dynamics invented and patented the "Time-Based One-Time Password Algorithm" which has since come off-patent and standardized as RFC 6238 in May 2011.

Problem

• Give users a hand-held device that can generate password for access to secure accounts.
• All of the security is in the place that generates the OTP. The seed for the OTP is a very high-value target and has been hacked at is source from the beginning.

Solution

• The original Security Dynamics (later RSA, now Dell) Authenticator was a small hand held device that continually generated a password every (eg 30) seconds that could be sync'd with the server.
• Now Microsoft, Google and others offer Authencators as Smart Phone Native Apps.

The following is a list of some of the Authentictors now in use.

1. RSA SecurID is the original device. It came in multiple form factors.
2. Symantec VIP Security Card size of a credit card.
3. Symantec VIP Security Token size of a key fob.
4. Feitian MultiPass FIDO Security Key
5. Google Authenticator Native App