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OTPs vs Passkeys: How to Secure Your Online Accounts

3 min read

Passwords have protected online accounts for decades, but they remain one of the weakest links in cybersecurity. Attackers continue to steal credentials through phishing, data breaches, malware and social engineering. Two stronger alternatives — one-time passwords (OTPs) and passkeys — are now widely available. Here is how they work, and how to use them safely.

What Is a One-Time Password (OTP)?

An OTP is a temporary code used to verify your identity during login or account recovery. Because it expires within minutes, it adds a layer of protection beyond a standard password.

OTPs are typically delivered via:

Authenticator apps (most secure)
SMS or WhatsApp
Email
Hardware authentication devices

The OTP Scam You Need to Know About

One of the most common scams today involves criminals posing as a trusted source — IT support, a bank, a delivery service or a government agency — and asking you to read back an OTP that was just sent to your phone.

What many people do not realise: the criminal is actively trying to access your account at that very moment. The OTP is the final piece they need.

⚠️ Never share a one-time password No legitimate company will ever ask you to share a one-time password. If someone asks for your OTP, hang up immediately.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey replaces your password entirely. Instead of typing a code, you authenticate using something you already have on your device — a fingerprint, face scan, PIN or physical security key. Your credentials are stored securely on your device and never sent to a server, making them far harder to steal.

Why Passkeys Are More Secure Than Passwords

Passkeys are tied to the exact website they were created for. If you land on a fake login page, your passkey simply will not work there — protecting you from phishing without you having to spot the fraud yourself.

Key benefits at a glance:

No password to remember or reuse
Resistant to phishing attacks
Faster sign-in experience
Stronger protection against credential theft

What Passkeys Cannot Protect Against

Passkeys are highly resistant to phishing, but they are not a complete shield. You can still be tricked into:

Approving fraudulent transactions
Installing malware
Sharing personal information
Giving remote access to your device
Handing over OTPs or account recovery codes

Staying alert remains essential even when using passkeys.

6 Best Practices for Secure Authentication

1 Enable passkeys wherever available.

They offer stronger protection than passwords and eliminate most phishing risks.

2 Use an authenticator app instead of SMS.

App-based OTPs are harder to intercept than text messages.

3 Never share authentication codes.

Treat an OTP the same way you would treat your password.

4 Verify before approving login requests.

If you did not initiate a login, do not approve it.

5 Keep recovery information current.

Ensure your recovery email and phone number are up to date.

6 Monitor your account activity regularly.

Report any suspicious authentication requests immediately.

Scammers are increasingly convincing and users can no longer rely on obvious red flags like poor grammar. Verification and caution are more important than ever. Stay alert, secure and authenticated.