Integrating phone numbers into the account creation process bolsters security by adding another layer of user verification. This method utilizes a factor separate from email addresses and passwords, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access. For example, a one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS can confirm a user’s identity during login or for sensitive operations like password resets.
This multi-factor authentication (MFA) approach offers substantial protection against common threats such as phishing, credential stuffing, and account takeovers. Historically, reliance solely on usernames and passwords proved vulnerable to these attacks. The addition of phone-based verification adds a crucial barrier, greatly reducing the risk of compromise. This increased security is vital in the current landscape of sophisticated online threats and data breaches, protecting both individuals and organizations from potentially devastating consequences.