websms
Two-factor Authentication via SMS

Today’s digitally-driven world is fraught with numerous security risks, and hackers are continually trying to steal identities, drain bank accounts, and exploit sensitive data. Therefore, certain safety measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) are used to safeguard the digital lives of users. 2FA adds an extra layer of security for digital accounts ranging from social media to online banking and payment making it nearly impossible for any unauthorised personnel to gain access. Amidst growing concerns for online security, a leading provider of B2B mobile messaging solutions, websms is enabling businesses to implement a 2FA process via SMS with ease while adhering to the high standards of the GDPR and PSD-2 (EU Payment Service Directive) compliance.

websms’ SMS-based 2FA involves sending a one-time password (OTP) or transaction authority number (TAN) to a verified phone number so that the authenticity of a user login is ensured. SMS is arguably the most convenient and versatile messaging format for users. Users do not need to download additional apps and do not need to undergo additional set-up processes, continues updates or need internet connectivity. Studies have also shown that users currently prefer smsTAN over pushTAN as a safer option. Most recently, MasterCard Germany has recommended the use of smsTAN as a backup solution for users without smartphones. However these advantages can also be combined with app-based push technology, which is achieved by SMS2App, websms’ innovative messaging solution including automated failover routes. “With SMS2App, you can easily send push messages to your recipients over the internet into the websms receiver mobile app or your company’s application, depending upon your needs,” says Christian Waldheim, CEO of websms.

In case a push notification cannot be delivered, a conventional text SMS is sent to the receiving device instead—a feature of the SMS2App’s failover logic. The SMS2App is compatible with both iOS and Android phones and can be customised to accommodate a company’s specific requirements. websms offers SMS2App SDKs to enable its customers to integrate SMS2App into their own enterprise applications in order to benefit from both worlds: push messages and SMS. In addition, websms’ REST API lets developers integrate business communications services with their applications at a click—CRM systems, ERP systems, accounting, or personnel management software— enabling companies and customers to communicate directly from the enterprise applications. Besides direct client integrations websms is integrated with 180 ERP software partners, being rolled-out with their software solutions.

“We make it easier for companies and software partners to communicate directly and quickly with their customers and support their use cases in a secure manner in the mobile first driven world,” explains Waldheim.

The company also provides a range of B2B mobile messaging solutions for central business processes such as personal customer service, appointment reminders, alarms, and mobile advertising. As to its official carrier status, websms is a partner of prominent Austrian, German, and Swiss mobile operators. websms provides reliable delivery and high throughput rates of an SMS. Well-respected big banks, payment and credit card providers with demanding SLAs account to websms’ core client segment. Alongside, redundant server architectures, SSL encryption, and consistent monitoring of the solution ensure enhanced security of the messages. For these reasons and its 20 years experience, over 5.500 business customers across the DACH and Italian region rely on websms’ expertise.

websms caters to multifarious clients from the finance, eCommerce and retail, public service, and IT domain. For instance, websms is responsible for ensuring that personnel in the Austrian and German fire departments receive push notifications on their devices about any important event that needs their attention. Since the firemen have to respond to emergencies within a tight deadline, a second SMS is sent in case the push message fails to deliver because of any network issue—which is the case in 20-25 percent of all alerts. Waldheim also mentions how websms implemented a solution that combines SMS and interactive voice response technology for a government agency or the parliament in Austria. The text contained in an SMS is read out automatically by the solution and the recipient could acknowledge when the information was received by entering a particular code.

We make it easier for companies to communicate directly and quickly with their customers and employees in a secure manner

The development of such innovative and secured B2B messaging solutions has led websms to experience over 10-15 percent growth every year and the leading position as premium provider in the German speaking area. Moreover, the introduction of the PSD2 guideline in the European Union has supported websms’ business use cases as 2FA solutions account for a significant share of the company’s revenue stream. Going forward, websms is focusing on conversational commerce as online consumers are increasingly relying on chat and voice interfaces to interact with brands. websms is not just offering SMS solutions but also e.g. WhatsApp Business, among other channels with multifactor authentication that can be directly integrated into a client’s ERP systems. The ultimate goal is to enable a seamless mobile-driven customer journey that does not compromise security for convenience.