May 13, 2025 - 5 min read

Using SMS OTP for online payment

Introduction

The "end of SMS OTP" has been much heralded in recent years. And with good reason: the European DSP2 directive, the rise of Fintech and the emergence of new authentication methods have called its effectiveness into question. However, the SMS OTP (One-Time Password) is far from having completely disappeared. In fact, it continues to play a key role in many use cases and payment types.

What are the authentication rules for online payment?

PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) came into force in 2019, with a key component: strong customerauthentication (SCA). This obligation requires 2 of the following 3 factors to validate a transaction:

SMS OTP only ticks two out of three criteria. It therefore remains partially compliant, but not sufficient on its own for payments requiring strong authentication.

What the regulations say:

SMS OTP can always be used as a complement to strong authentication or outside the DSP2 perimeter, depending on the case.

When is SMS OTP still used?

Despite being phased out for regulated payments, SMS OTP is still relevant in many cases of two-factor authentication:

Secure access (excluding payment)

GOING FURTHER

Best practice guide: SMS 2FA

Services not directly covered by PSD2

SUCCESS STORY

Oodrive dematerializes the signature with SMS OTP and improves its customer experience

Online payment (in certain cases)

Why is SMS OTP still a useful tool?

Advantages of SMS OTP	Limits
Universal (no need for third-party applications)	Less secure than biometric methods
Easy to deploy on the corporate side	Can be intercepted by SIM swap attacks
Used in concrete business contexts, such as purchase validation via corporate virtual cards (Spendesk, Pennylane...)	Dependent on mobile network
Haute délivrabilité (plus de 97% reçus <1min)	—

The smsmode point of view^©

At smsmode^©we believe that SMS OTP is not obsolete, but in the process of being reconverted. It remains a useful security tool, provided it is used properly, particularly in :

Good to know:

Our dedicated OTP infrastructure guarantees fast, reliable delivery (SLA >98% in under a minute).

How smsmode^© can help you

By choosing the SMS OTP solution from ^smsmode©, you benefit from:

GOING FURTHER

Pay By Link: send a link by SMS and boost your sales

Use cases covered :

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April 23, 2025 - 7 min read

SMS functionality: an essential communication tool

Romain Didelot

Introduction

SMS (Short Message Service) functionality is one of the oldest and most popular methods of communication on cell phones. Since its launch in the 1990s, it has remained an essential tool, even in the face of modern technologies such as RCS (Rich Communication Service) or instant messengers like WhatsApp.

SMS enables short text messages to be sent between telephone numbers. In addition to its simplicity, it offers advanced functionalities, such as sending multimedia content via MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service).

For companies, SMS is a key resource for marketing strategies, customer relationship management and security (with SMS OTP). Whether for promotions or to keep in touch with friends and family, SMS remains indispensable for its flexibility and accessibility.

What is an SMS ?

SMS definition

SMS, or Short Message Service, is a text messaging service enabling the exchange of short text messages between mobile devices (usually a telephone). A message can contain up to 160 characters. The service is based on standardized communication protocols, enabling cell phones to transmit SMS messages via cellular networks.

History and development

The origins of SMS date back to the first GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standards of the 1990s. The very first SMS was sent in 1992 by Neil Papworth (it read "Merry Christmas" and was sent from a computer to a Vodafone phone). The original purpose of the service was to enable cell phone operators to send alerts to their customers.

Based on the SS7 signaling protocol, SMS has rapidly gained popularity as a means of text communication between cell phone users.

Over time, SMS has adapted to advances in network technology, including today's 5G networks. The creation of SMS gateways (SMSC) has also enabled messages to be transmitted via the Internet, facilitating communication with computers, landlines and even satellites.

In 2002, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) was introduced as an extension to SMS, enabling messages to be sent containing images and other multimedia content.

What's the use of SMS today?

Typical use cases

SMS is particularly useful in the following situations:

Key benefits for companies

How SMS is sent

When you send an SMS, the process is as follows:

This extremely rapid process makes SMS a virtually instantaneous form of communication.

What is an SMS service provider?

An SMS service provider is a company that offers technical solutions for sending and receiving SMS messages on a large scale, often via web interfaces or APIs. These services are essential for companies wishing to integrate SMS into their communication strategies, whether for marketing campaigns, transactional notifications, alerts or security.

For example, smsmode^© offers a complete platform for :

Find out how we can help you grow.

Professional SMS features

Visit professionalSMS offer a wide range of functionalities to meet specific business needs:

Mass send: send the same message to a large list of contacts.
Message personalization: dynamic insertion of variables (last name, first name, etc.).
Scheduling of mailings: planning campaigns for specific dates and times.
Tracking and statistics: delivery, opening and click rates.
Responses and automated management: receipt of responses, message sequences.
API integration: connection to CRM or business tools.
Landing pages and short links: enrich SMS, track performance.

Automation, customization, integration

The automation of mailings and message personalization are invaluable features for companies, boosting the effectiveness of their campaigns.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the complete list of features offered by smsmode^©

Comparison with other communication channels

SMS vs Email

SMS have an open rate of 96%, compared with around 20% for emails. They are less likely to be ignored or sent as spam.

SMS vs Push Notifications

Push notifications require an installed application and are subject to user settings. SMS, on the other hand, is universal.

SMS vs. new channels

Services like WhatsApp or RCS require an Internet connection and are limited to certain types of terminal. SMS works everywhere, all the time.

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ASSURTECH

How to make authentication more accessible with voice OTP?

Experts in health and provident protection solutions, CNP Assurances Protection Sociale needed a voice solution to secure account creation and connections to extranet, customer site or customer area-type sites, for users with a rather high average age, and in compliance with accessibility requirements.

For this voice MFA requirement, the Front-end team was looking for a text-to-voice solution that could include a variable part corresponding to the OTP code to be entered in the web interfaces.

Download the use case

The SMS TTS solution enabled them to achieve the following results:

Universal distribution

The voice channel enables the temporary code to be addressed both on a mobile/smartphone AND on a landline.

Optimum accessibility

Voice OTP meets the need to include users who don't have a cell phone or who can't read text messages.

Proven use

Representing around 6% of OTPs sent, the use of voice OTPs is higher than initially estimated.

Enhanced security

Enabling multi-factor authentication increases the overall security of services.

Find out in detail how the smsmode voice OTP^© has enabled CNP Assurance to offer authentication for more direct, personalized and efficient interactions.

Download the use case

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Privacy Tech Label brochure

Excellence in privacy as a processor, which supports your commitments as a controller.

smsmode^© needs the contact information you provide to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy to find out more. You may also, for legitimate reasons, object to the processing of your personal data. Send an e-mail to dpo(atsmsmode.com to exercise these rights.

Safety at the heart of our concerns

After an audit of the technical, organizational and legal measures implemented, smsmode^© has been awarded this label in the "Data Processor Compliant Solution" category for a period of 3 years, in recognition of the compliance of its practices and the virtuous use of the personal data entrusted to it.

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May 28, 2024 - 5 min read

The SMS alert, an indispensable tool in a crisis

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

Whether it's a service outage, a weather forecast, an epidemic or a data breach, SMS enables companies to rapidly implement their crisis communications. Every company needs to be prepared for the possibility of a crisis, and to prepare its information plan in advance.

With mobile messaging, you can reach your recipients anywhere, anytime. SMS , an indispensable tool for your emergency communication strategies. We explain why!

Features of SMS

The SMS alert system is designed to broadcast and notify stakeholders in a crisis situation of urgent information, in real time and possibly automatically. Accessible in all circumstances, and a genuine support for your emergency communications strategy, content broadcast on cell phones is an essential tool. You certainly remember the media communication plan (but not only), the SMS campaigns sent by the Government to the entire French population, on the rules of confinement and travel restrictions in order to manage the health crisis:

[SenderID]

Alert - covid 19

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced strict rules that you must follow to fight the spread of the virus and save lives. Outings are authorized with a certificate and only for your work, if you can't telecommute, your health or your essential shopping.

More information at www.gouvernement.fr

A simple, cost-effective and extremely efficient solution, SMS enables your company to communicate quickly, instantly and reliably on your recipients' smartphones. It enables you to inform and transmit alerts to stakeholders without delay in situations of crisis, emergency, etc. Whether it's to inform a single person or an extended contact base, mobile communication of your alerts remains the most effective means, whether from the point of view of instantaneous dispatch and reception of content, or its read rate. By way of comparison, while the media can reach the masses, SMS is personal and direct.

Don't wait any longer, set up your own mobile alert system, adaptable to your organization and its needs.

The benefits of using SMS to manage crisis situations

Performance

With a read rate approaching 95% (and an average reading time of 3 minutes), SMS dominates its competitors, e-mail and social networks. It is currently the most popular communication tool for companies.

The e-mail is read up to 20% / 30%, but beware, it may remain unopened for hours or even days in a mailbox.

Publications on social networks have varying rates of visibility, depending mainly on two criteria: the social network's algorithm and the time of publication. Between 10% and 30% of subscribers, whether on LinkedIn or Instagram, will be "reached" by your post. Needless to say, this is the channel of last resort for crisis communications.

The ability to generate rapid responses is crucial to the delivery of your emergency communications. And SMS boasts a response rate of 45%, compared with 6% for e-mails. Interaction on social networks depends on the audience's engagement with the brand and the relevance of the content shared. Direct response rates can vary widely, but are generally lower than those for short messages.

SMS is not only the most effective means of communication, but also the most economical.

Cost

Taking into account the unit cost of the message, the package and set-up, SMS is the most economical exchange tool on the market. The cost of a mobile message campaign is particularly competitive. It allows you to maximize your visibility without burdening your internal budgets.

Universality

The strength of SMS also lies in the universality of the cell phone. In fact, 99% of French people now own a cell phone. Whatever your recipients' phone model, whatever their Internet connection conditions, SMS ensures that your crisis communication information is received.

Speed and immediacy

Contact your recipients anywhere, anytime, to meet your every need. SMS can be received and read almost instantaneously, making it the ideal tool for crisis management communications.

Automation

Our services enable you to set up scenarios to be triggered in the event of a crisis. A way to manage your alert strategy with peace of mind.

STUDY

SMS trends and key performances under the microscope

Find out more about our major study based on 745 million mailings SMS.

Examples of crisis communication messages

Whether your company/institution is impacted by a minor disruption or a total unavailability of service (both internal and external), an effective communication plan must be put in place upstream to enable you to react instantly to these threats, and avoid a second crisis. Tailor your content to your needs and organization, so as to warn your recipients and customers. Here are a few examples of SMS to include in your stakeholder communications plan in the event of a crisis:

Internal company information for your employees

[SenderID]

France COVID-19

To all smsmode^©We would like to inform you of the introduction of teleworking starting tomorrow, Tuesday March 16. Please remain at home until further notice.

Works information - building closure

[SenderID]

[Company] - WORK

Please be advised that the main building of the Pôle Média Belle de Mai is closed until further notice.

Those who have not collected their belongings will be able to pick them up in the reception area within the next 24 hours.

Please make your arrangements until further notice.

[SenderID]

[Company] - MAINTENANCE

An intervention to restore power to rue Guibal will take place this afternoon (between 3pm and 6pm).

Please make your own arrangements. Teleworking is highly recommended. Your HR remains available to answer your questions.

Notifying your customers/patients

[36037]

REPORT

Marie Perrin, your consultation with Maître Martin on 20/03 had to be cancelled due to the latest measures taken by the government.

The latter can be used to reschedule appointments or to set up a videoconference.

Reply REPORT or VISIO to SMS.

Event cancellation/postponement

[Sender ID]

CANCELLATION

Dear customers, the Philharmonic Orchestra concert scheduled for 20/03 in your city of Amiens has been cancelled.

Please visit our website: www.francephilarmonie.fr to benefit from reimbursements.

Weather alert

[Sender ID]

The Bouches du Rhône department has been classified as a red zone for the next three days.

We advise you to keep travel to a minimum. All the information in the "My City" section on www.alertesmeteofrance.fr

Safety alert

[Sender ID]

[Company] - Security alert

A data breach has been detected on your account. To secure your account, use the OTP code Next to reset your password: 34587.

If you are not the cause of this action, please contact our support team immediately.

Mobile subscription alert

Bouygtel

Dear customer, you have reached 80% of your monthly package.

To avoid additional costs, we recommend that you monitor your consumption.

For more options, visit our website or contact our customer service department.

GOING FURTHER

Improve your customer relations with 60 examples of SMS notification

Discover our selection of examples to inspire your first messages.

smsmode^© supports you in your crisis communication strategy

A SaaS platform for sending SMS , accessible via the Internet and equipped with all the professional features needed to send messages immediately and autonomously: address book management, saving of message templates, receipt reports, consultation and management of replies received, online payment, triggering of predefined actions, etc.

The SMS voice alerts are more effective thanks to the ringing of the mobile, which is more persistent when a voice message is received than when a classic SMS is received. You receive a listening report for each SMS voice message.

Thanks to the rental of a virtual cell phone number (NVM), the reception service enables you to set up a registration service for the free alert system by registering at SMS. It also enables you to receive replies from your recipients and set up advanced two-way mobile communication scenarios.

A REST and MAIL API: thanks to our REST & Mail APIs, you can integrate the automated sending of SMS alerts directly from an email inbox or in your external application (CRM, e-commerce site, mobile application, etc.). The sending of SMS campaigns will be integrated directly into your application, and can be triggered by pre-defined events.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

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July 17, 2024 - 5 min read

The use of SMS in Fintech

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is disrupting the traditional banking sector through technological innovations. Among the solutions used by this sector, the strategic use of mobile messaging is a powerful tool for improving protection, communication and customer experience. Find out how finance companies are integrating short messaging to build strong relationships with their customers and protect their data.

SMS to streamline banking operations

Short Message Service plays an essential role in strengthening interactions within start-ups and innovative banks. As a direct and instantaneous communication channel, it enables companies to communicate effectively with their customers. From payment or contract reminders to transaction notifications, messages are of paramount importance in keeping customers informed in their financial activities. Many companies in the innovative banking sector, such as microcredit specialist Finfrog, use our solutions on a daily basis.

Text messaging is also a channel that greatly simplifies financial processes. By providing users with instant access to their financial information, SMS speeds up all interactions.

Whether for :

SUCCESS STORY

How does Leetchi secure its banking transactions with SMS ?

Our sending solution, also available via API, can help you reduce barriers to accessing financial services. By eliminating delays, oversights and friction, messages improve the fluidity of banking operations.

Security: the pillar of financial platforms, supported by the SMS

Beyond its communication function, the short message is a strategic protection tool that is particularly effective in the financial sector. It can be found in many different situations.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Users receive a unique authentication code (One Time Password) by SMS which they must enter in addition to their password to access their account. The 2FA by SMS adds an extra layer of assurance by verifying the user's identity, and blocks over 99.9% of account compromise attacks.

COMPARATIVE

Sensitive access security: 2FA or SSO?

Transaction confirmation

This well-known method for online payments has been replaced in Europe by 3D Secure, but is still widely used by online financial platforms generating virtual cards. When large payments are initiated, a SMS OTP is sent to the account holder to confirm the transaction and prevent fraudulent transactions.

Electronic signature

The One Time Password is very useful in electronic signatures, as it provides a legal guarantee of the signatory's identity and the integrity of the signed document. An OTP is generated for 1 signatory and 1 contract. The signatory re-enters this code received by message on the contract. This action is the legal basis of consent for a remote signature.

Suspicious connection alerts

If a suspicious connection is detected on a user's account, an alert message is sent to inform the user and enable them to take rapid action to secure their account.

Notification of an important change to the account

If a user changes their password or personal data, a short message can be sent to confirm the change. This ensures that the account holder is aware of any changes to their information.

Balance or activity alerts

Customers can receive alerts to be informed in real time of any activity on their account, such as a large payment or a change in balance.

Password reset

This is a more secure alternative to sending a password reset link by e-mail. A telephone number is a better guarantee of identity than an e-mail.

Identity verification for customer support

When a user contacts customer service with account-related questions, an identity verification message may be sent to ensure that the user is the account holder.

This extra layer of protection guarantees the confidentiality and security of transactions and sensitive data. Messages thus become a reliable shield, helping to build trust among users of online financial services.

GOING FURTHER

All you need to know about SMS for banking security

Understanding dual authentication ? How to deploy an authentication process? Which technologies and methods?

SMS for customer experience in Fintech

The use of mobile messaging in online financial platforms also offers other significant functionalities for improving the user experience. Here are just a few of them!

Personalization and proximity

Thanks to customizable variable fields and segmentation of the contact base, mobile messaging allows you to play the proximity card effectively. This is particularly valuable in the banking sector.

By tailoring messages to users' profiles and preferences, companies canstrengthen ties and create a unique experience for their customers. This personalization generates a sense of appreciation and involvement that helps build a solid climate of trust.

SUCCESS STORY

How does CNP Assurances make authentication more accessible with voice OTP?

Proactive information

With its record open rate, text messaging is the perfect channel for notifying and informing, with the assurance of being read. Companies can therefore take a proactive approach by sending out information on new offers, policy changes and more. It's an excellent way for a brand to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, while sparing them any unpleasant surprises. This strategic approach strengthens loyalty and guarantees a positive experience.

Mobile messaging as a financial education tool

It can also be a good channel for an educational approach. Banking companies can provide their customers with information and advice tailored to their specific needs throughout their investment journey. This approach makes it easier to assimilate financial concepts and encourages informed decision-making.

Consumers can also be guided through these learning stages by a chatbot SMSThe short message becomes a strategic awareness-raising tool, leading individuals towards greater control of their financial situation and loyalty to your solution. The short message becomes a strategic awareness-raising tool, leading individuals towards greater control of their financial situation and loyalty to your solution.

In addition, they can include links to reliable external resources, such as government articles or reference guides on financial management. This strategy enables users to deepen their knowledge and acquire the financial skills essential for using banking products.

GOING FURTHER

Optimized customer relations in Fintech.
10 tips for notifying and building loyalty with SMS

In this guide, identify the touch points where SMS improves the customer experience.

SMS in the banking sector: driving behavioral change

The use of mobile messaging in this specific sector is therefore not limited to distributing information or validating payments, but also encourages responsible financial behavior. The short message encourages users to put what they've learned into practice, using all the available functions. These include budgeting, financial balance sheets and savings planning. Periodic reminders and financial tips delivered by message act as catalysts for positive action. This encourages consumers to take concrete steps to improve their financial well-being. In this way, the mobile medium becomes a driver of behavioral change, transforming financial empowerment into an interactive and dynamic process.

In conclusion, the strategic integration of Short Message Service into the financial innovation industry has opened up new perspectives for security, customer experience and communication. By using it in a targeted way, financial companies are at the origin of a virtuous circle that leads customers and companies to success.

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June 28, 2024 - 7 min read

2-factor authentication, the security solution

Romain Didelot

Introduction

Security on the web is an issue for everyone. Protecting your company's sensitive information, and that of your customers, is a vital task for which the simple duo of login and password is no longer sufficient. The compromise of a single credential can lead directly to the success of a cyber attack. For this reason, dual authentication is the ideal tool for securing connections. Find out why 2FA (two-factor authentication) is so essential to protecting your business, and why the SMS OTP (one-time-password) is the best way to implement double verification.

What is two-factor authentication?

Double authentication, commonly known as 2FA or two-step verification, is a method of protecting a personal account by means of a second identification step, usually a code called an OTP, or verification number, sent by message with maximum priority and valid for a few minutes. This code, received on your cell phone via your telephone number, can also be sent by authentication software such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator, by push notification or by e-mail.

Information

2FA by SMS lets you manage OTP code generation on your own. This gives you complete control over code creation, validity times and the security of the entire authentication system.

This method enhances web security by adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access: the recipient's telephone number.

Dual authentication differs from multi-factor authentication in the number of elements used. With MFA (Multi-factor authentication), three elements are used:

COMPARATIVE

Sensitive access security: 2FA or SSO?

What are the authentication factors?

Multi-factor authentication is divided into 3 distinct proofs of identity corresponding to 3 validation steps:

In practical terms, on an online account, logging in with a username and password is the first trigger. The second is the smartphone in your possession, to which the SMS OTP is sent, a text message containing the code to be typed in, proving that the phone is indeed yours.

GOING FURTHER

All you need to know about SMS for 2FA

Understanding dual authentication ? How to deploy an authentication process? Which technologies and methods?

Use cases of the 2FA

While this method is well known for validating online payments (still in use in Europe until the introduction of DSP2 regulations), it is becoming increasingly popular for other applications:

Examples of security request messages :

[SenderID]

To access your account, please complete the two-factor identification by entering the security code sent to your device.

[SenderID]

To increase the security of your account, please configure 2FA authentication via SMS to reduce the risk of hacking.

NEED MORE EXAMPLES?

All our examples of authentication and electronic signature messages...

Why your company needs 2FA

A first factor - login or email + password - can easily be hacked.

Using two-step validation - on 2 separate devices - reduces the risk of cyber-attack, and limits the theft or loss of personal or business information.

An asset to enhance your customers' protection

Some people already use 2FA in their daily lives, to secure their online banking activities, clouds, shopping or email platforms, social networks or password managers. Being proactive in this field by offering your customers a solution that enhances their online security is bound to be an asset.

By introducing 2FA, merchants are helping to provide a secure experience that strengthens the customer relationship.

Users obviously want their online solutions to be simple and transparent, but that doesn't mean they'll tolerate security loopholes. The rise in fraud and the increased use of digital payments mean that an additional authentication solution is needed for sensitive information.

A real additional security barrier for your online business services

A simple password is no longer enough. Access to personal information by malicious individuals can be devastating, and most businesses are no better protected against cyber-attacks than private accounts.

A corporate email account can be compromised by phishing or identity theft, and become an entry point for stealing strategic information or even money. If a password can be reset by email, access to your platform is child's play.

Passwords already used elsewhere and made public can be used to access a business account. 73% of passwords are used for more than one account, which is just as many chances for a successful hack.

Two identification factors: the solution to 99.9% of your security problems

Many attacks can indeed be thwarted by training employees in cyber security, using strong, unique passwords or anti-phishing training. But this kind of process has a cost for companies, and we're all human, so we're all susceptible to inattentiveness. What's more, with the democratization of teleworking, connection to professional accounts outside the company is on the rise, increasing the chances of errors and therefore cyber-attacks.

SUCCESS STORY

How does CNP Assurances make authentication more accessible with voice OTP?

With two-factor authentication, you don't have to put the security of your business solely on the shoulders of your employees.

With 2FA, cracking or recovering a password will no longer be enough to gain access. This strong authentication gives you an additional security barrier that blocks more than 99.9% of account compromise attacks. ⁽¹⁾. Whether it's phishing, bots or leaking credentials to another site.

To avoid breaches, some organizations go so far as to do away with the traditional password, relying on the last two factors or using TOTP (a key that uses the time stamp to create a sequence of characters, shared by the user and a server).

The 2FA in figures

Why sending OTP messages is the best way to implement 2FA

Simple, agile, reliable, inexpensive and fast, SMS is the universal solution that everyone knows how to use.

2FA is certainly possible with an instant messaging application, push notifications or an authentication application, but you need to be sure that your employees or customers have these applications, or can afford them. Also, this type of solution relies on the security of the application used. So it's best to be sure of your partner.

SMS has the huge advantage of being natively present on all mobiles, and can be received by everyone, from the latest smartphone to the oldest mobile. There's no need to download, create an account on an application or pay for a package to benefit from authentication services.

Easy to set up, the cost of OTP can be adapted to your budget, making it applicable to everyone, from SMEs to major corporations. It enables you to reach all profiles without limiting your action to a single community, such as users of a single instant messenger or an external application that generates TOTPs (Time-based One-Time Password).

With SMS :

SMS is also ideal for password recovery. A third of all online purchases are abandoned because of a forgotten password, so providing your customers with a quick and easy way to recover their account can benefit you both financially and in terms of customer experience and brand image.

Why choose smsmode^© to implement 2FA

Two-factor identification is essential to secure access to web services, adding an extra layer of protection after the password has been entered.

Access to personal data must be fast and secure, so SMS must work every time.

With smsmode^©️, your OTP codes have priority. Our status as a telecom aggregator with ARCEP offers you :

Consumers and employees alike can't wait to receive their codes. Employees may become impatient and deactivate the 2FA system, putting themselves at risk. As for customers, they could also abandon their purchasing action for lack of codes, so getting them back is essential. This is why the 2FA method is important, as is the solution chosen to implement it.

REPORT

Digital security at smsmode^© ?

Discover our data protection and privacy measures designed with RGPD compliance in mind.

2FA with smsmode^© in 3 points

A telecom operator ARCEP

Recognized as a mobile service provider telecom operator with ARCEPyou benefit from direct connection to operators through the services smsmode^©. So you can be sure that we won't be using no roamingwhich offers a high quality And reliability for your send SMS OTP.

Personal data protection

In accordance with our agreement with the CNIL and our ISO 27001 & 27701 certifications, all data imported into our services is confidential, and we guarantee that our contact files will not be used by third parties.

A long-standing player in messaging

Since 2004the mobile messaging provider smsmode^©offers tools forsending and receiving SMS via API. The company is constantly improving the services it offers, and is looking forward to more than 10,000 customers for a volume of more than 100 million SMS sent per month.

Get a free demo

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June 16, 2024 - 3 min read

Authentication via SMS with One Time Password (OTP)

Romain Didelot

Introduction

Reducing the risk of fraud without hindering users in their login or account creation processes is a concern for many companies. The most common method for ensuring user security within an application is verification at login, i.e. authentication. Several solutions exist, but how do you adopt the one that will be the most effective and secure, while minimizing costs?

What are the different forms of authentication at SMS ?

Simple authentication using SMS

Simple authentication via SMS allows the user to connect to an account without providing a username or even a password. Once the login address has been entered, an SMS OTP (One Time Password) is sent to the cell phone of users who enter the code to connect to the application. It's a fast and easy way to verify that you have a cell phone, so there's nothing to remember. However, the phone is the only authentication factor, which makes this method more fragile.

COMPARATIVE

Sensitive access security: 2FA or SSO?

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication via SMS is the most widely used method. It allows you to reinforce your existing security system while benefiting from easy and inexpensive implementation. Users enter their logins (name and password), and SMS including OTP codes are sent to provide additional verification at login. With this two-step authentication, you benefit from enhanced security for all connections to your applications.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with SMS

Multi Factors Authentication (MFA) is a multi-step (usually 3) verification method before granting access to a system, application or data. The aim of MFA is to reinforce security by ensuring that the person attempting a connection is who they claim to be.

This authentication is based on :

In practice, when connecting to an online banking application, for example :

This method is the most reliable, as it is very difficult to forge/submit 3 verification factors at once. On the other hand, MFA represents a major development effort and can be complex to activate, especially for simple connection operations where 2 separate factors are more than sufficient.

When should SMS OTP be used for authentication?

This type of SMS containing codes has gained notoriety for its use in securing online credit card payments. But SMS "One Time Password" can be used for many other purposes:

Connection to online banking or trading services (stock portfolio, crypto...)
Access to social media accounts, video and audio streaming, content management, software development platforms, e-mail accounts and cloud services
Registration and verification of new user accounts
Connection to a messaging or file storage application
Password reset
Authentication for corporate portals or teleworking platforms
Access to e-commerce, delivery and logistics platforms
Certified electronic signature
Identity verification for information, government, health or sensitive services
Access to human resources management systems
Connection to online gaming forums or networks
Validation of travel bookings and electronic tickets

GOING FURTHER

All you need to know about SMS for 2FA

Understanding dual authentication ? How to deploy an authentication process? Which technologies and methods?

The applications for these codes are virtually endless in the web and mobile world! smsmode^© recommends that all companies using personal accounts with private data for their users implement authentication via SMS. You can really increase secure connections to your application or to unsecured networks with SMS OTP by sending temporary passwords.

Similarly, when registering a new customer, you can check their phone number with a code per message and ensure thatthe information is correct.

This process not only enables you to connect for the first time, but also guarantees you a certified database, enabling you to qualify your leads.
It is also possible to certify an electronic signature, enabling you to validate contracts remotely thanks to the codes generated.

SUCCESS STORY

Oodrive secures and accelerates electronic signature processes with SMS 2FA

What are the advantages of authentication via SMS ?

A significant convenience for the end-user: the use of cell phones in the account security process means that a code can be received very quickly on a medium that's close at hand. With immediate reception, the transmission of a unique unique code by SMS secures operations while making connections more fluid.

A universal medium that works on all mobile terminals and all global networks, giving all users a feeling of security, whatever their cell phone. Everyone will be aware of the security system protecting their personal data. And you won't need to develop an additional application to activate verification.

Certified collection of your customers' cell phone numbers to enrich your contact database with quality data: thanks to OTP, when a customer registers on your website, they can enter their phone number. This number is not always valid, and your database is therefore inaccurate. When they register, a code transmitted by SMS enables them to validate their number directly on your application or website.

Seamless integration and easy administration: this service is completely free of charge, and you will only be billed for SMS .

Why adopt the solution smsmode^© ?

How to implement the SMS "One Time password"?

When you use ourstrong authentication solutionat SMS, you benefit from :

A powerful, documented REST API to implement SMS OTP. An alphanumeric code is automatically generated by your application or website. The OTP code is single-use, and its expiry date is defined in advance by your team. The SMS OTP routing implemented via the API is responsible for transmitting this code as quickly as possible via a high-priority channel dedicated exclusively to this type of transmission.

The routing of SMS 2FA or OTP to France, DOM-COM or international destinations is carried out on a dedicated, priority channel that is constantly monitored by our monitoring tools. The use of our web services also guarantees maximum security and total confidentiality of your data (encryption and hashing of user data).

GOING FURTHER

Pay by Link

Diversify your payment methods, offer the payment link sent by SMS

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

June 09, 2024 - 3 min read

SMS low-cost: the hidden dangers behind it SMS

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

With the explosion of digital communication, sending campaigns SMS With the explosion in digital communications, low-cost mailing campaigns have rapidly gained in popularity, thanks to the promise of substantial savings. At first glance, these services may appear to be a godsend for individuals and companies looking to reduce the cost of sending out their communication campaigns, but in reality, these tempting prices conceal risks that could jeopardize your business.

Let's find out together to what extent using this low-cost SMS can represent a risk to your business, and how these apparent savings can actually cost you dearly in the long run. Whether you're a budget-conscious consumer or an entrepreneur looking to optimize your spending, it's crucial to understand the pitfalls and dangers associated with SMS .

What is SMS lowcost?

SMS can sometimes appear to be a simple product that could simply be contrasted with SMS premium. In reality, however, it's SMS sent via grey (unregistered) routes , or even directly from SIM cards. There are various variants on the market, more or less reliable, but it's important for us, as a trusted supplier, to help our customers make an informed choice between the different offers available to them.

For a long time, SMS low cost was favored for its low routing costs and the ambiguity surrounding its legality. This ambiguity has been criticized, but is still used, and is still the reason why some suppliers are so successful today.

Allowing message campaigns to be sent at unbeatable rates, this service does not, however, meet either the legal obligations dictated by the RGPD or the expected performance requirements (deliverabilitycustomer reception without personalized senders, Opt-out feedback...).

A service without guarantees, unprotected data

The SMS low cost allows you to send your messages at a very reduced rate, but does not meet the legal obligations in the context of sending a commercial message or even today, the conditions imposed by the General Regulation for the Protection of Personal Data. Features of which you need to be aware.

The actions taken by operators to block this "illegal" traffic and the legal sanctions against users of these products mean that the service has no guarantee of continuity or performance.

The SMS marketingwhich originally used these routes, has almost totally abandoned them, as they are too often blocked by operators, threatening campaign performance. In addition, SMS is managed in the most illegal way. How can we protect what is illegal? This data is neither deleted nor encrypted. This is why the law is being tightened to ensure that user data is only entrusted to reliable operators, capable of protecting a company's content for its customers.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 best practices before sending campaigns SMS

What does the law say?

The GDPR came into force on 25 May 2018. This text, which protects personal data, reinforces the responsibility of companies processing sensitive data. A decision of July 2018 confirms this position.

This type of SMS is not compatible with the General Regulation for the Protection of Personal Data collected according to the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés). As a reminder, the RGPD gives Supervisory Authorities the power to impose substantial fines on its violators (up to 20 million euros or 4% of your annual turnover).

This text, in addition to the unequivocal decision of the Mobile Marketing Association France in 2014, firmly condemns this practice and gives new powers to telecom operators, and henceforth enables the authorities to punish the providers and users concerned. One goal: to protect the secrecy of the communications and information entrusted to you.

In addition, these providers use low-quality SMS routes that are not authorized by operators. These are known as "gray" routes. This technique consists in using other countries to send your SMS messages, instead of using national networks directly, which explains their lower cost...

Choosing a solution that respects your personal data

Many players in the SMS mobile communications market offer a low-cost SMS service. This is not the direction we have decided to take. smsmode^© chose many years ago to stop offering this product, which did not meet its ethical/safety commitments or its performance requirements.

That's why our platform only offers SMS premium, with all the features you need to guarantee top-quality service.

Our solution provides only direct connections with operators, without intermediaries, without any compromise on the security of your shipments, while offering you some of the lowest rates on the market. All personal data entrusted to us is stored, encrypted in France and then deleted from our Next servers under strict archiving policies.

smsmode^© supports over 10,000 active customers, including numerous companies in the healthcare and banking sectors. Our information security certifications (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO/IEC 27701:2019) are proof of our commitment to managing "sensitive" data.

REPORT

Discover our data protection and privacy measures designed with RGPD compliance in mind.

Conclusion

While the cost of a SMS mailing campaign may seem more attractive with a low-cost service, it's important not to let yourself be fooled by these various promises, at the risk of outlawing yourself and losing the trust of your customers. In reality, the promised savings are only short-term, and you'll see the quality of your shipments deteriorate dramatically.

As a long-standing player in the mobile messaging sector, we can only advise you to choose a tool that complies with current regulations.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

June 04, 2024 - 3 min read

Fake DLRs (DeLivery Receipts)

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

For some years now, the mobile messaging sector has been faced with a major challenge, posed by the increase in fake DLRs or false acknowledgements of receipt. These practices, often used for financial optimization purposes (by reducing the actual number of SMS sent, for example), are particularly difficult to detect and sometimes almost impossible to eradicate.

A typical example: out of a campaign of 10,000,000 SMS, only 9,900,000 SMS are actually sent, the rest being marked as received with the help of fake DLR, without ever having been sent. This manipulation lowers the purchase price.

These false acknowledgements are generated by two sources:

mobile network operators,
aggregators SMS.

At smsmode^©, we do our utmost to provide our customers with a service that is both reliable and secure. Discover our solutions SMS implemented by our professional teams to effectively mitigate this risk.

STUDY

SMS trends and key performances under the microscope

Find out more about our major study based on 745 million mailings SMS.

What is a DLR fake?

Fake for fake, DLR for DeLivery Receipt. Fake DLR is a false delivery receipt claiming that your SMS has been delivered, when in fact the operator or aggregator has rejected the message. In other words, it's a deception about the delivery status of your SMS. This technique can be used as part of a marketing campaign by SMS to offer a lower price than the 100% direct route...

For the sender, the DeLivery Receipt represents a vital source of information on the status of the SMS he has sent. It is therefore crucial for us to ensure the reliability of our routes in order to offer you the most efficient service and the most transparent feedback possible on the status of your SMS.

What is the origin of this risk?

Some unscrupulous operators or aggregators, lured by the lure of profit and the idea of making a 100% profit on part of their shipment, don't hesitate to generate fake DLRs . Easy to set up, fake DLR represents a highly lucrative business for these players.

How are the fake DLR generated?

Sending and receiving a SMS message seems like child's play. However, before reaching its destination, the message passes through a number of intermediaries. The quality of each route SMS takes depends on a number of factors.

Almost all SMS messages generate two DLRs : a delivery receipt and a delivery report. The delivery receipt indicates whether the message sent is accepted or rejected. The delivery report indicates whether the message was sent or failed, and the reasons for the failure.

These status changes from SMS are vital, especially when sending large campaigns. DLR also provides invaluable information on the route taken by your SMS, the time of delivery (timestamp), whether they are queued, and whether they have not yet arrived.

REPORT

Discover our data protection and privacy measures designed with RGPD compliance in mind.

What impact do these fake DLRs have on our business?

For you?

False DLRs can disrupt your traffic. In fact, these fictitious acknowledgements of receipt seriously undermine the real performance of your SMS campaigns. It's impossible to gauge the quality and effectiveness of your mailings without them. Companies using SMS marketing services can receive false acknowledgements of receipt to artificially inflate their delivery and success rates, thus distorting performance reports.

The result is a loss of confidence on the part of companies in their mobile messaging service provider, as well as financial losses due to false performance reports and additional costs to verify the authenticity of acknowledgements of receipt, and pressure on the official sales prices of A2P routes.

For us as a solution provider SMS ?

You simply lose confidence in our services SMS ! This is unthinkable for a company that wants to build a relationship with its customers based on reliability. That's why we take these issues very seriously, and want to reassure you about the quality of the solutions we provide.

Our team of professionals has set up a solution to verify the performance of SMS shipments worldwide. The aim is to use monitoring tools to measure and evaluate the quality of our French and international shipments.

Set up:

A detailed statistics tracking dashboard, with delivery rates, delivery time, by operator, country, etc.
From a local phone number in the countries connected to our system to measure the actual performance and technical characteristics of the shipments.
From a system of road monitoring with automatic rocking on back-up roads in case of detection of a performance decrease based on big data.
Work closely with telecom operators to ensure the authenticity of acknowledgements and minimize the risk of fraud.

Conclusion

Fake DeLivery Receipts represent a significant challenge to mobile messaging, affecting the reliability and integrity of communications. Vigilance, collaboration with reliable suppliers, and the implementation of rigorous controls are essential to counter this threat.

Our team advises you

Interested in our services? Our sales and technical teams are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have about our solutions SMS and to advise you on setting up your SMS campaign.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

May 05, 2024 - 3 min read

Personalize the sender of your SMS (Sender ID)

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

Known as the Sender ID or OADC (Originator Address Code), the sender of a SMS is the name or, failing that, the telephone number that appears on your mobile when you receive a message. In the SMS business world, it can take different forms: a long number, a short 5-digit number, or a personalized number with the name of a company in alphanumeric characters.

Setting up the sender when sending professional message campaigns is important for several reasons. This feature, only available in SMS A2P (Application To Person) communication , is possible for operators with a direct connection (such as smsmode^© 😎).

However, many users of the smsmode^© platform forget this step and thus reduce the KPIs SMS such as the open rate of their messages, even though this function is totally free of charge via our service.

INFORMATION

If you plan to send notification-type messages, please contact our teams directly so that we can set up your account and remove the STOP SMS restriction with a personalized sender.

What are the advantages of personalizing the sender when sending your SMS campaign?

1- The personalized sender allows you to identify yourself to all your recipients, whether prospects or customers. When SMS is received, your company's name will appear directly in the header of the content displayed on your contacts' phones.

2- If you leave the sender ID unchanged, a generic 5-digit short code will automatically be assigned to your message. By personalizing the sender ID, you save some of the 160 characters of SMS and gain in brand image with your prospects or customers. Real added value compared with an impersonal short code.

3- Being quickly identified by the communication's recipient can increase the open rate of your campaigns by more than 30%. marketing campaigns. SMS.

4- You can create as many sender IDs as you like for your company, on your account, at no extra cost. This feature is free on our mobile messaging platform.

GOING FURTHER

SMS or email us. Can't decide?
The ultimate comparison (to make the right choice)

Any tips for establishing your transmitter?

Would you like to customize the Sender ID of your SMS but don't know how? Don't worry, these tips will guide you step by step.

Tip no. 1

Your sender name should directly reflect your company or business. When they receive your message, customers/prospects should be able to identify you within the first 2 seconds.

Tip no. 2

Your customized transmitter name must be between 3 and 11 characters long. This number is defined by telecom operators (carriers and GSMA).

Tip no. 3

The Sender ID does not have to be a number only. Our mobile service providers overwrite personalized senders with this element only, to prevent any attempt at fraud and identity theft with a number that does not belong to the sender of the message.

Tip no. 4

Special characters are not taken into account by telecom companies and cancel any transmitter personalization.

Tip no. 5

Avoid spaces when choosing your sender ID. They are not accepted by all operators. Some of your senders will be replaced by a short code number.

Tip no. 6

If you're running marketing/advertising campaigns, make sure that your message ends with the word " STOP", so that your recipients/customers can unsubscribe. If you don't include the word "STOP" in your content, telecom service providers will automatically overwrite it to include a short number.

GOING FURTHER

Find out more about SMS and how to get the most out of your products.

Some cases where OADC cannot be customized

In some situations, it is not possible to change the sender of a message. This may be due to technical restrictions imposed by telecom service providers, or to the wishes of users.

As mentioned above, it is not possible to change the sender without the "STOP" mention at the end of the message for any marketing-type use. The Sender ID will be overwritten and replaced by a short number on which contacts can directly unsubscribe from your mailing list.

When you decide to send and receive text messages via long number rental, it is technically impossible to replace the long number with a personalized sender. Only your personally assigned sender can appear at the top of the message.

If you wish to receive replies or confirmations to your solicitations, you must not modulate the OADC. In fact, it's impossible for operators to trace a response to a message with personalization. You'll have to choose the basic 5-digit generic sender (short code, e.g. 36034) or rent a long send/receive number to contact your customers.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Canvassing for CPF totally prohibited

January 16, 2023

(Dear customers, dear partners,)

We all saw an explosion of smishing cases in 2021, 2022 was just a continuation of it. Measures are now being taken by the government to combat all forms of solicitation related to personal training accounts.

You will find below the text of the law that has just been registered in the Official Gazette of December 20, 2022, the date on which its application therefore comes into force.

Continue reading " CPF commercial canvassing is now prohibited "

THE SMS OTP (One Time Password) - The new utility for secure deliveries

August 3, 2022

The COVID19 crisis necessitated an adaptation of company operating methods, in particular the systematic practice of barrier gestures and the generalization of telecommuting. But there are also adaptations that have given rise to new practices that improve processes, such as today's topic: SMS OTP as a means of securing your deliveries.

Continue reading " SMS OTP for secure deliveries "

Reverse OTP: free authentication with SMS

July 18, 2022

Data security is a concern for many customers. To satisfy this need for reliability and gain a competitive edge, many solutions implement two-factor authentication (2FA), often via a SMS OTP. But implementing 2FA is costly, and each message sent is billed. But there's a way to guarantee strong authentication without the OTP messages costing you a single penny. Find out how to set up a free SMS OTP in this article.

Continue reading " How to set up free authentication on your application "

Mobile masking: communicate safely

Mobile masking is a technology for anonymising telephone details. By assigning a single-use phone number, you can communicate without having to share your contact data.

Fighting cyber crime

A SMS received is a SMS opened in 97% of cases. A high percentage, which speaks volumes about the trust we place in our cell phones. Combine the major vulnerabilities of our smartphones with the lack of attention we pay to them, and the result is an explosive cocktail.

So why do we pay less attention to the security of our smartphones than we do to that of our computers? In this article, we explain how smsmode^©is committed to fighting cybercrime on our mobiles.

Google Verified SMS, security & performance

Many new mobile messaging systems are being launched this year. A month ago, we presented the WhatsApp Business solution, followed by RCS last week. Today, it's Google's latest addition, Verified SMS , that we've chosen to highlight. As its name suggests, this solution aims to limit fraud.

Continue reading " Verified SMS by Google: Secure your shipments "

Using SMS OTP for online payment

Introduction

What are the authentication rules for online payment?

When is SMS OTP still used?

Secure access (excluding payment)

Services not directly covered by PSD2

Online payment (in certain cases)

Why is SMS OTP still a useful tool?

The smsmode point of view©

How smsmode© can help you

Use cases covered :

SMS functionality: an essential communication tool

Introduction

What is an SMS ?

SMS definition

History and development

What's the use of SMS today?

Typical use cases

Key benefits for companies

How SMS is sent

What is an SMS service provider?

Professional SMS features

Automation, customization, integration

Comparison with other communication channels

SMS vs Email

SMS vs Push Notifications

SMS vs. new channels

How to make authentication more accessible with voice OTP?

Download the use case

Universal distribution

Optimum accessibility

Proven use

Enhanced security

Download the use case

Create your free account

Privacy Tech Label brochure

Safety at the heart of our concerns

The SMS alert, an indispensable tool in a crisis

Introduction

Features of SMS

The benefits of using SMS to manage crisis situations

Performance

Cost

Universality

Speed and immediacy

Automation

Examples of crisis communication messages

Internal company information for your employees

Works information - building closure

Notifying your customers/patients

Event cancellation/postponement

Weather alert

Safety alert

Mobile subscription alert

smsmode© supports you in your crisis communication strategy

Create your free account

The use of SMS in Fintech

Introduction

SMS to streamline banking operations

Security: the pillar of financial platforms, supported by the SMS

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Transaction confirmation

Electronic signature

Suspicious connection alerts

Notification of an important change to the account

Balance or activity alerts

Password reset

Identity verification for customer support

SMS for customer experience in Fintech

Personalization and proximity

Proactive information

Mobile messaging as a financial education tool

SMS in the banking sector: driving behavioral change

Create your free account

2-factor authentication, the security solution

Introduction

What is two-factor authentication?

What are the authentication factors?

Use cases of the 2FA

Examples of security request messages :

The smsmode point of view^©

How smsmode^© can help you

smsmode^© supports you in your crisis communication strategy

Why choose smsmode^© to implement 2FA

2FA with smsmode^© in 3 points

Why adopt the solution smsmode^© ?

The solutions proposed by smsmode^© to fight against fake DLR