The rapid development of the digital era has certainly made many people familiar with OTP codes. Yes, this code is often needed for digital transactions. In order to understand better, see OTP is: understanding, examples, functions, how to protect it.
Although it is often used in digital transactions, not everyone understands the importance of keeping the OTP code secret. Even if misused, the result can be quite large losses.
Understanding OTP Code
OTP code is a one-time use code and is usually used in digital transactions. This type of code is basically created for security reasons. However, nowadays fraudsters are often used to manipulate customers.
For example, someone who receives an SMS containing an OTP code for a transaction that has not actually been carried out. The widespread use of this OTP code is also due to the ease and convenience of various banking services today.
How not, customers can now transact online easily in a matter of seconds. Without realizing it, this convenience makes online crime threats more and more common.
OTP code is a code commonly used by people in the digital era to transact online and register accounts on certain platforms. In addition, this code is also a unique and secret combination of numbers. This code is usually received by the customer via SMS from the bank, operator, or bank.
The validity period of the OTP code is very short, usually only 5 minutes at most. So, this code is a security measure to confirm when an online transaction occurs.
Examples of Using OTP in Transactions
One of the most widely used OTP codes is for banking transactions. For example, someone who wants to activate the SMS Banking service, the bank will send an OTP code in the form of a unique 6-digit number.
In addition, the code is only valid for one transaction. Usually this OTP code is sent through the inbox. You can access the OTP as a viewable pop up message. So, customers can see it on the notification screen.
Another example is the use of OTP codes in the e-commerce application, Tokopedia. This code is sent by Tokopedia to ensure that the account is actually held by the owner.
Not only that, this OTP code is also needed when someone wants to register a new account in the application.
OTP Characteristics
The OTP code has several characteristics that can be understood, namely as follows.
1. Use Only One Time
As the name implies, OTP or One Time Password is one-time use. The use of this code is very useful to prevent various possible password eavesdropping.
If it turns out that the code has already been used, you will have to request another code to run another transaction.
2. Valid only within a certain period of time
Basically, this OTP code is only issued based on a predetermined time range. For example, when a user asks for an OTP code, it will be sent via SMS or email.
Later the code is only valid for a few minutes. At most it only takes about 5 minutes to immediately enter the OTP code that has been given.
3. Used for Certain Purposes
This OTP is usually only used for interests in certain fields. For example, when someone wants to change the m-Banking PIN, the bank will send a special OTP code to change the banking service PIN.
OTP Code Function
The OTP code is sent via email or SMS by the bank, operator, or an application. This is done for security reasons when they want to transact. So, this code is used to confirm the login for the digital transactions made.
Therefore, this OTP code is important and confidential so it should not be accessed arbitrarily. So, this code should only be accessed by the owner, not by anyone else. Both family, relatives, even parties related to the sender of the code.
Especially for irresponsible people who claim to be representatives of certain companies. So it is certain that this is a fraud that results in harm.
So, what is the function of the OTP itself? Basically, OTP has a function to protect the privacy of its users. Especially from irresponsible parties who try to take advantage of your privacy.
OTP codes are relatively very safe in maintaining privacy when transacting digitally. Remembering randomly generated codes so as to minimize account abuse. This aims to secure the account from withdrawals without the knowledge of the owner.
How to Protect OTP Code
When you get an SMS containing an OTP code, make sure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is very important to protect this code so that transactions can run smoothly. The ways that can be done to protect this code are as follows.
1. Stay Alert and Thorough
Not a few foreign numbers call their potential victims claiming to be the company, for example from bank A. Well, you should be suspicious of this because the bank certainly uses a clear number and address.
Moreover, the bank never asks for the OTP code which is actually very confidential. Moreover, currently the bank has built its own website to make it easier for consumers to know the various services provided.
2. Don’t Give OTP Code to Anyone
The OTP code is strictly confidential. You must not tell anyone, including family, relatives, friends, let alone people claiming to be from a company.
Instead, only yourself can access the code to prevent criminal loopholes and potential fraud that can happen to anyone.
3. Change Password and PIN Periodically
Try to change the PIN and password that you use on various platforms regularly. So, create a PIN that is unique and different from the one that has been used before. In addition, make sure the PIN used is different for each card you have.
Avoid using a PIN that is easily cracked by others. For example using a PIN based on date of birth. This should not be underestimated because it is very easy for others to guess.
4. Don’t Let the Cards Be in Someone Else’s Hand
Do not allow cards in your name to be in the hands of others without permission. For example, when you want to pay for groceries at the cashier. This should be avoided to prevent the information from being taken and misused by others.
Although most cards are equipped with chip technology, there are still potential dangers that can be found. For example, information in the form of an ATM card number that can be misused by other people.
5. Do a Temporary Block
If the card is not being used, you should do a temporary block. Don’t forget to also link it with the application so that every transaction can be detected correctly. For example, by activating the m-Banking service on a smartphone
OTP is a very important code for various digital transactions that are widely carried out today. Therefore, make sure you keep this code carefully and don’t be fooled by other parties who want to abuse it.
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