Here’s a simplified flow when TOTP authenticator apps are registered: Fig: How TOTP registration works Validation happens every time a user tries to authenticate using TOTP. Validation, where the client generates a TOTP code using the seed and moving factor and passes it on to the server for validation. Registration happens once, when the user chooses TOTP as their preferred 2FA factor for an app. Registration, where the server generates the seed and communicates it to the client. Fig: TOTP uses time as the moving factorĪuthentication using TOTP consists of two stages: This algorithm uses a form of symmetric key cryptography since the same key is used by both the client and the server to independently generate the OTP. The moving factor used by the TOTP algorithm is Unix time. In TOTP, the seed is a secret key that is shared between the authentication server and the token during first-time use. This is a component that changes every time a new OTP is requested or at set periods of time. It is created when a new account is established on the authentication server.Ī moving factor. This is a static secret key that is shared between the token and the server. Two inputs are used to generate OTP codes:Ī seed. Fig: Screenshots of Google Authenticator with TOTP codes (Source: Vox) How TOTP worksīefore going into specifics, it’s important to understand how OTP generation algorithms work in general. TOTP was published as RFC 6238 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in 2011. This makes TOTP authentication a strong second factor in a multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two factor authentication (2FA) flow. Unlike passwords – which are static and can be easily stolen – a TOTP code changes at set time intervals (usually 30 to 90 seconds) and is very difficult for attackers to compromise. TOTP can be implemented in both hardware and software tokens:Ī TOTP hardware token is generally a physical fob or security key that displays the current code on a screen built into the device.Ī TOTP software token is generally an authenticator application on a mobile device (like Authy or Google Authenticator) that displays the current code on the phone screen. This code is meant to grant users one-time access to an application. A TOTP code is generated with an algorithm that uses a shared secret and the current time as inputs. Use the paste function of your device to input the code and submit it.TOTP stands for time-based one-time password (or passcode). The service you are logging into will ask for a verification code. Auto-fill any item that has a TOTP key stored and submit the information. The SecretSafe mobile applications and browser extension have the ability to automatically copy a TOTP code to your device clipboard after auto-fill. Scan the QR code you have been presented with and the field will be automatically populated. In the field labeled " Authenticator Key (TOTP)", select the "camera" icon. Mobile Applications Ĭreate or edit a login item you wish to store your TOTP key with. In the field labeled " Authenticator Key (TOTP)", input the secret key that you are provided with and select save. Web Safe & Other Applications Ĭreate or edit a login item you wish to store your TOTP key with. The SecretSafe Android and iOS applications can make adding your TOTP key's easy by scanning a QR code to populate the field automatically. The option to configure this will commonly be found under the "Security" options of your account. You will need to start the setup from each individual website or service that you are accessing (e.g. Each website that supports Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) or Two-factor Authentication (2FA) with an "Authenticator" handles configuration slightly differently.
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