How do passkeys address the high costs of SMS OTPs?

Vincent Delitz

Vincent

Created: January 8, 2025

Updated: April 23, 2025

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Learn how to implement passkeys as phishing-resistant MFA for large-scale consumer deployments and boost security as well as user convenience.

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How Do Passkeys Address the High Costs of SMS OTPs?#

SMS OTPs are a costly authentication method for enterprises due to per-message fees, high usage volume, and operational overhead. Passkeys provide a cost-effective alternative by eliminating the need for SMS-based authentication. Here's how passkeys help:

how do passkeys address high sms otp costs

1. No Per-Message Fees#

  • Passkeys operate over the internet without relying on telecommunications networks.
  • This eliminates the recurring costs of sending SMS OTPs for logins, sign-ups, and account recovery.

2. Reduction of Fraud Costs#

  • SMS-based systems are vulnerable to artificially inflated traffic (AIT), where attackers generate fake OTP requests to increase costs.
  • Passkeys are immune to such attacks, significantly reducing fraudulent expenses.
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3. Streamlined Authentication#

  • Passkeys offer faster and simpler authentication processes using biometrics or device-based PINs.
  • This reduces the reliance on SMS OTPs and improves user experience, encouraging adoption of the cost-saving alternative.

4. Decreased Operational Overhead#

  • Passkeys eliminate issues related to failed SMS delivery (e.g., due to carrier restrictions or cross-border challenges), reducing the number of support tickets.
  • Fewer recovery calls and support interventions lead to lower operational costs.

Realizing Savings with Passkeys#

By transitioning to passkeys, enterprises can save up to 90% of their SMS OTP-related costs. This not only reduces financial strain but also enhances security and user experience.

introducing passkeys large scale overview

Read the full article

Learn how to implement passkeys as phishing-resistant MFA for large-scale consumer deployments and boost security as well as user convenience.

Read the full article

Already read by 5,000+ enterprise security leaders.

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