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What is the generation and verification mechanism of dynamic passwords?

Created on 2025-04-11 14:15:23
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The generation and verification mechanism of dynamic passwords typically involves a process where a unique password is generated for each login attempt or session. This password is usually time-sensitive and changes after a predefined interval, enhancing security by ensuring that even if a password is intercepted, it will only be valid for a short period.

Generation Mechanism:

  1. Time-based: Many systems use time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), where the password is generated based on the current time and a shared secret key between the user and the server. An example of this is Google Authenticator.
  2. Event-based: Some systems generate passwords based on specific events, such as each login attempt or after a certain number of uses.
  3. Algorithmic: Dynamic passwords can also be generated using algorithms that take into account various factors like user ID, timestamp, and a secret key.

Verification Mechanism:

  1. Server-side Validation: When a user enters a dynamic password, the server uses the same algorithm and shared secret key to generate the expected password for that specific time or event. It then compares this generated password with the one provided by the user.
  2. Synchronization: For time-based passwords, both the user's device and the server must be synchronized to the same time source to ensure accuracy in password generation and verification.

Example:
For instance, if a user logs into their account using a mobile authenticator app that supports TOTP, the app generates a new six-digit code every 30 seconds. When the user enters this code during login, the server verifies it by generating the same code using the shared secret key and the current time. If both codes match, access is granted.

Cloud Service Recommendation:
For implementing robust dynamic password solutions, cloud services like Tencent Cloud offer Identity and Access Management (IAM) services that can integrate with various authentication methods, including TOTP and SMS-based one-time passwords, to enhance security for applications and services hosted on their platform.