SMS security is on the rise: for both small and large businesses, SMS authentication is proving to be a fast and reliable solution. For many years, mobile SMS has helped protect and secure data shared online by users and communications between parties.

Improve the security of your tools with SMS

No one is immune to the risk of malicious actors attempting to steal passwords and login information. So, what can you do to protect yourself? SSL encryption, firewalls, and account monitoring are no longer enough on their own. Fortunately, there are many ways to use SMS to add an extra layer of security, for example, to keep login details or information contained in user accounts safe and secure.

How can you use SMS to secure your tools and communications?

Here are 3 ways to use SMS for better security:

1. Two-factor authentication

Twitter implemented two-factor authentication after 250,000 accounts were hacked in 2013. Many websites, banks, and social media platforms now use two-factor authentication, with temporary PIN codes sent via SMS. This technique is used for initial logins, password resets, or approving important or unusual transactions.

2. Use SMS for sensitive operations.

For example, when a customer purchases a product or an app, ask them to pay via SMS so that the charge is added to their phone bill at the end of the month. An SMS is sent to your user, who replies with a code, allowing them to pay without ever having to enter their banking information.

Secure payment delivery is also gaining popularity. This solution guarantees instant settlement from your users over a secure network.

3. Inform customers of security risks or updates.

Websites and applications are always at risk of being hacked. If this happens, it is wise to have an action plan in place for after the damage has occurred. Using SMS to send immediate messages to all your customers is one solution. SMS messages are generally read within 90 seconds, unlike email. This makes it an ideal channel for informing customers of a site or app breach and what they need to do to protect themselves.

Sending security updates via SMS and using SMS authentication are easy to implement and can help reduce the risk of identity theft or financial loss for both you and your customers.

This also helps increase customer trust and assures them that you are a reliable business.

How can I improve the security of my communications?

With SMS and the many ways mobile phones are used, mobile security risks are abundant. As a result, more and more users are looking to encrypt their phone calls and text messages to protect their privacy. A number of apps available for iOS and Android have been designed for this purpose. They offer secure text messaging, particularly for exchanging sensitive information between employees or with clients.

SMS has evolved to become much more than just a messaging tool. It is also an advanced real-time notification tool, a community alert system, and an effective way to help you secure your tools (websites, software, applications, etc.), your customers' data, and your phone or SMS exchanges.