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A Transaction Authentication Number (TAN) is a crucial security measure used to verify the authenticity of online banking transactions. It's a six-digit code sent to the customer's mobile phone or email.
This code is used to ensure that the person initiating the transaction is indeed the account holder. It's like a secret handshake between the bank and the customer.
The TAN is usually sent to the customer's registered mobile number or email address, and it's valid for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds. This time limit adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
The customer must enter the TAN correctly to complete the transaction successfully. If the TAN is entered incorrectly, the transaction will be declined.
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What is a Transaction Authentication Number?
A Transaction Authentication Number, or TAN, is a single-use number that provides two-factor authentication for a transaction. It's a crucial step in verifying the legitimacy of a transaction and reducing the risk of fraud.
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TANs are designed to provide an additional layer of security, beyond just a password or PIN. This is especially important in today's digital age, where transactions can be initiated remotely and across borders.
The first step of the authentication process typically includes a password or personal identification number (PIN) to access the account. This is followed by the second level of the process, which is the TAN.
TANs remain valid for single use, meaning they can only be used once. This makes them a highly secure method of authentication.
Financial institutions provide a list of passwords or passphrases that are valid for authentication. This list is used to generate the TAN, which is then used to complete the transaction.
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How Payment Authentication Works
Payment authentication is a crucial process that verifies the identity of the person initiating a transaction. This is done through various methods that confirm whether the payment details provided by a user are valid and that the person using them is authorized to do so.
The process involves multiple checks and balances, which can include password verification, biometrics, one-time passwords (OTPs), or even behavioral analytics. These methods are designed to add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of fraud.
One common method of authentication is the use of one-time passwords (OTPs). OTPs are generated using a shared secret between the user's OTP app and the authentication server. The OTP values have minute or second timestamps for greater security.
The OTP can be delivered to a user through several channels, including an SMS-based text message, an email, or a dedicated application on the endpoint. However, experts recommend avoiding delivering OTPs via SMS to email addresses or VoIP numbers, which cannot prove device possession.
In addition to OTPs, password verification is another common method of authentication. This can be as straightforward as entering a PIN during a debit card transaction at a retailer, or as advanced as providing a fingerprint for a mobile payment through a smartphone.
Transaction authorization numbers (TANs) also provide extra security by serving as a two-factor authentication of a transaction. The first level of authentication may include a personal identification number (PIN) or password to access an account, while the second level of authentication may be the TAN.
Here are some common methods of authentication:
- Password verification
- Biometrics
- One-time passwords (OTPs)
- Behavioral analytics
These methods work together to ensure that the individual attempting the transaction has the right to use the payment method being presented.
Types of Payment Authentication
Payment authentication is a crucial step in ensuring the security of transactions. It involves verifying the identity of the person initiating the transaction.
There are several methods used to authenticate payments, including password verification, biometrics, one-time passwords (OTPs), and behavioral analytics. These methods add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
For instance, when a transaction is initiated, the payment gateway may send an OTP to the registered mobile number of the cardholder. This simple step ensures that the person attempting the transaction has access to the physical device associated with the account.
Banks use a variety of robust methods to authenticate payments, ensuring the security and integrity of each transaction. Here are some of the methods used:
- PINs (Personal Identification Numbers): This is one of the most fundamental forms of authentication, acting as a first line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Challenge Questions: These are personalized questions selected by the user or the bank and answered when the account is set up, designed to be answerable only by the account holder.
- Transaction Signing: This advanced method involves generating a unique, one-time code for each transaction, usually generated by a secure physical device or a software application.
- Biometric Verification: This involves using physical or behavioral human characteristics as an identity check, such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, voice recognition, and iris scans.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This method requires the user to provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to your accounts.
Each of these methods serves as a crucial barrier against potential security threats, ensuring that the individual attempting the transaction has the right to use the payment method being presented.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/transaction-authentication-number-tan.asp
- https://cleartax.in/glossary/transaction-authentication-number-tan
- https://gr4vy.com/posts/what-is-payment-authentication/
- https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/388/how-to-properly-generate-and-use-mtans
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/one-time-password-OTP
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