Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) is a popular authentication method that adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. It generates a temporary, unique code that refreshes every 30 seconds or so. This code is synced between your device (like a smartphone app) and the service you’re logging into, making it much harder for hackers to access your account even if they know your password.
The way TOTP works is quite clever: it combines a secret key (shared during setup) with the current time to create a code. Because time keeps moving forward, each code is valid only briefly, which reduces the risk of misuse. Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are common tools that use TOTP, making multi-factor authentication (MFA) easy to implement.
In short, TOTP is a simple but powerful way to protect your online accounts with a frequently changing code, giving you peace of mind in today’s digital world.
