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TOTPstands forTime-based One-Time Password
Full Form of TOTP
What is TOTP?
TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) is a temporary, automatically generated password that is valid only for a short period, typically 30 or 60 seconds. It is a core component of two-factor authentication (2FA), widely adopted in India by banks, payment apps like Google Pay and PhonePe, and government portals such as DigiLocker and Income Tax e-filing. The algorithm uses the current time and a shared secret key to generate a unique code, eliminating reliance on SMS-based OTPs that are vulnerable to SIM swap fraud. TOTP codes are generated by authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) or hardware tokens. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated 2FA for online transactions, making TOTP a preferred method for securing digital payments. For competitive exams like IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, and UPSC Civil Services, questions on TOTP may appear under cybersecurity or IT awareness sections. Its time-bound nature enhances security over static passwords.
TOTP का फुल फॉर्म
समय-आधारित एक-बार पासवर्ड
Example
I scanned the QR code from my bank's website into Google Authenticator, and now I use a TOTP every time I log in to my net banking account.
TOTP — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of TOTP?
The full form of TOTP is Time-based One-Time Password.
How is TOTP different from SMS OTP in India?
TOTP is generated offline by an authenticator app and changes every 30 seconds, whereas SMS OTP is sent via mobile network and can be intercepted by SIM swap attacks. TOTP is considered more secure.
Is TOTP mandatory for Indian bank accounts?
While RBI mandates two-factor authentication for online transactions, TOTP is not mandatory; banks can use SMS OTP. However, many banks now offer TOTP as an option for enhanced security.