A confirmation code is a unique code that is used to verify a user’s identity or confirm an action online. Confirmation codes are commonly used when signing up for online services, resetting passwords, authorizing payments or transactions, and securing accounts.
How Do Confirmation Codes Work?
When a user takes an action that requires confirmation, such as creating an account, the website or service will generate a random confirmation code and send it to the user. This is usually done via text message, email, or automated voice call.
The confirmation code acts as proof that the user has access to the phone number or email account. After receiving the code, the user then enters it into the website or app to verify their identity. The service checks that the code entered matches the one they generated and sent out.
If the codes match, the action is confirmed and the user’s identity is verified. This prevents malicious actors from being able to complete actions by guessing account credentials. It adds an extra layer of security.
Types of Confirmation Codes
There are a few common types of confirmation codes:
- Numeric codes – These are random codes composed of numbers, usually 4-8 digits long. Numeric codes are the most common.
- Alphanumeric codes – Generated from both letters and numbers, these codes are more complex and harder to guess.
- QR codes – A barcode image that encodes the confirmation data. Users scan the QR code to confirm an action.
One-Time Use Codes vs Reusable Codes
Confirmation codes can be one-time use or reusable:
- One-time use – These codes expire immediately after they are used once to confirm an action.
- Reusable – Reusable codes can be used multiple times and usually expire after a set period of time.
One-time use codes offer the highest level of security. Reusable codes are more convenient for users but less secure. Services usually allow users to generate new confirmation codes if needed.
Uses of Confirmation Codes
Here are some of the most common uses of confirmation codes online:
Account Verification
When creating new online accounts, services will send a confirmation code to verify the user’s ownership of the email or phone number provided. Users must enter the code to confirm they control it and complete signup.
Login Approval
Some services require a new confirmation code to be entered each time a user logs in from a new device or web browser. This protects against unauthorized logins.
Transaction Authentication
Banks and financial services utilize confirmation codes to verify a user’s identity when authorizing large transactions or payments. This prevents fraudulent transfers or charges.
Password Resets
When users forget or need to reset their password, a confirmation code is used to confirm their identity before allowing them to create a new password. This prevents password resets by unauthorized people.
Multi-Factor Authentication
As part of multi-factor or two-factor authentication, confirmation codes add an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. Users must provide both their password and a generated confirmation code when logging in.
Email Verification
To confirm a new email address is valid and controlled by the user, services will send a code to that address which must be entered to verify ownership.
Security Benefits
Confirmation codes give several important security benefits:
- Prevent unauthorized account access or fraudulent transactions
- Protect user data and privacy
- Allow convenient password resets
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Stop automated bots or scripts
- Verify valid email or phone number ownership
Overall, confirmation codes help services definitively prove a user is who they claim to be before allowing sensitive account actions. This prevents compromises and fraud.
Implementation Methods
There are several methods services use to generate and deliver confirmation codes to users:
SMS Text Message
Numeric confirmation codes are commonly sent via SMS text message to the user’s mobile phone. The codes are generated by the service provider and delivered through mobile carriers. Users must have a valid phone number capable of receiving texts.
Voice Call
Automated voice calls can be made to landlines or cell phones that speak the code to users. Users then enter the code verbally or using their phone’s keypad.
Confirmation emails containing a numeric or alphanumeric code are easy for services to generate and deliver. Users must provide and have access to a valid email address.
QR Code
For in-person transactions, QR codes can be generated containing the confirmation data. Users scan the QR code with a mobile app to authenticate.
TOTP Authenticator Apps
Using apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, services can generate time-based one-time passcodes linked to a user’s account. The app automatically refreshes the codes periodically.
Hardware Tokens
Small hardware devices provided to users can generate random numeric codes. Users must enter the displayed code to confirm actions.
Security Keys
USB or Bluetooth security keys containing confirmation code data can communicate directly with websites and services when plugged in or paired with. This automates code entry for users.
User Experience
To provide a smooth user experience, services implementing confirmation codes should follow these best practices:
- Provide clear instructions on where codes are sent and how to enter them
- Allow users options for receiving codes via different methods like SMS, email, or voice call
- Send codes quickly to minimize wait time
- Make the code entry field easy to find
- Allow pasting codes into the entry field
- Let users request a new code if needed
- Have automated error handling if an incorrect code is entered
With good instructions and intuitive design, confirmation codes present little barrier to users. But they significantly increase security behind the scenes by verifying identities and transactions.
Limitations
There are some limitations to keep in mind with confirmation codes:
- Requires users have access to an SMS-capable phone number or email address
- Can be intercepted by attackers with access to inboxes or text messages
- Don’t protect against phishing or social engineering attacks
- May not be accessible to users with disabilities
- Text messages can experience latency or delivery failures
For stronger protection, confirmation codes should be combined other factors like passwords, biometrics, or security keys as part of multi-factor or two-factor authentication.
The Future of Confirmation Codes
In the future, expect to see improvements in how confirmation codes are delivered and used:
- Wider use of authenticator apps for time-based one-time codes
- Integration with password managers to auto-fill codes
- Leveraging push notifications to deliver codes
- Support for call-based codes on more providers
- Adoption of security keys for seamless codeless MFA
As more accounts and transactions move online, confirmation codes provide a straightforward way to implement multi-factor authentication securely. Their randomized and timed nature will continue to make them a trusted method for verifying users’ identities.
Conclusion
Confirmation codes add an important layer of security by requiring users to prove access to their registered phone number or email address when performing sensitive account actions. Randomly generated codes that expire quickly minimize the risk of unauthorized logins, fraudulent transactions, and account takeovers.
While simple and convenient for end users, behind the scenes confirmation codes securely verify user identities and transaction requests. As online services expand in reach and complexity, confirmation codes will remain a simple and effective tool for authentication and security.