Abstract
The “SMS OTP Verification System-Based Mobile Application” project focuses on developing a mobile application that enhances security by implementing a one-time password (OTP) verification system via SMS. The app will allow users to authenticate their identity by entering a dynamically generated OTP sent to their registered mobile number. This system will be particularly useful for secure login processes, transaction confirmations, and other scenarios where user verification is critical. The goal is to provide a robust and easy-to-use security mechanism that reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances the overall security of mobile applications.
Existing System
Currently, many mobile applications rely on traditional username and password systems for user authentication. While functional, these systems are vulnerable to attacks such as phishing, brute force, and credential stuffing. Some applications use OTPs sent via email or SMS as an additional layer of security, but the implementation can vary widely, with some systems being cumbersome or unreliable. There is also a lack of unified platforms that integrate SMS OTP verification seamlessly across various applications, leading to inconsistent user experiences and potential security gaps.
Proposed System
The proposed system will be a mobile application that implements a standardized SMS OTP verification system. The application will allow users to register with their mobile number, after which they will receive an OTP via SMS for authentication. The OTP will be valid for a short duration and can only be used once, ensuring a high level of security. The system will be designed to integrate easily with other mobile applications, providing a consistent and secure user verification process. The app will also include features such as automatic OTP detection, retry options, and fallback methods for scenarios where SMS delivery is delayed or fails. By centralizing and standardizing OTP verification, the proposed system aims to improve security, user experience, and reliability.
Methodology
The development of the SMS OTP Verification System-Based Mobile Application will follow the Agile methodology, allowing for iterative progress and continuous feedback. The project will be divided into several sprints, each focusing on different aspects of the application, such as user registration, OTP generation and validation, and integration with external systems. The development process will begin with a detailed analysis of security requirements and user experience design, followed by backend development, SMS service integration, and rigorous testing in various network conditions. User feedback will be incorporated throughout the development process to ensure the application is both secure and user-friendly.
Technologies Used
- Frontend:
- Mobile Application: Android Studio with Kotlin or Java for Android development, ensuring a smooth and responsive user interface.
- Cross-platform Support (optional): Flutter or React Native to extend compatibility to iOS devices.
- Backend: Node.js with Express.js for handling server-side logic, managing user sessions, and processing OTP requests and verifications.
- Database: PostgreSQL or MySQL for securely storing user data, session information, and logs of OTP generation and validation.
- SMS Gateway Integration: Twilio, Nexmo, or other reliable SMS gateway services for sending OTPs to users’ mobile numbers quickly and securely.
- Security:
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption for storing sensitive data and SSL/TLS for secure communication between the app and the server.
- Token-Based Authentication: JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for managing secure user sessions.
- Automatic OTP Detection: Implementation of Android’s SMS Retriever API to automatically detect and input the OTP from SMS, enhancing user convenience.
- Retry Mechanism: A fallback mechanism to resend OTPs if the initial SMS delivery fails, ensuring that users can complete the verification process without frustration.
- Analytics: Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics for tracking user behavior, OTP success rates, and other key metrics to improve the system’s performance.
- Version Control: Git for source code management, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring a streamlined development process.
