Educational Analysis: OTP Bots and How to Protect Yourself From Them

[Jollier]

1. What are OTP bots?​

OTP bots are automated systems designed to:

• Interception of SMS/push notifications with 2FA codes
• Automatically enter codes on target sites
• Bypassing the limits on the number of input attempts

Technical implementation​

Component	Example of implementation
Sim boxes	GSM modems with 16+ SIM card slots
API integration	Connecting to services like Twilio
Software	Self-written scripts in Python + Selenium

Statistics: In 2024, 62% of 2FA attacks used OTP bots (Group-IB data).

2. How do security systems work?​

A. Methods for detecting OTP bots​

1. Input speed analysis
   • A person enters the code in 3-7 seconds, a bot - in 0.1-0.3 seconds
2. Behavioural biometrics
   • Mouse movements (bots use straight-line trajectories)
3. Telephone analytics
   • Check number for VOIP/virtual operators

B. Countermeasure Technologies​

Technology	How it works	Implementation example
FIDO2/WebAuthn	Replacing SMS with hardware keys	Google Advanced Protection
Risk-Based 2FA	Requires additional checks if risk exists	Auth0 Guardian
OTP dynamics	The code changes every 15 seconds.	RSA SecurID

3. Why do OTP bots lose effectiveness?​

Cases of failures​

1. Operation Trojan Horse (2022)
   • FBI Identifies 200 OTP Bots Through SMS Mailing API Leak
2. Blocking "SIM farms"
   • Mobile operators have introduced AI detection of abnormal traffic

Efficiency in 2025:

• The success rate of OTP bot attacks has dropped from 45% to 12% (CipherTrace report).

4. Legal analogues for testing​

To learn about 2FA protection:

1. Demo Wednesdays:
   • Google Authenticator API
   • Okta ThreatInsight
2. CTF tasks:
   • Hack The Box (2FA Bypass module)
   • PentesterLab (WebAuthn exercises)

5. How are security systems developed?​

Example of a bank algorithm:

def check_otp_attempt(otp_input_time, mouse_movement):
if otp_input_time < 0.5:
return "bot_detected"
elif is_linear_movement(mouse_movement):
return "suspicious"
else:
return "verified"

Trends 2025:

• Implementing Quantum-Safe Cryptography for 2FA
• Using neural networks to analyze behavior

What to study to protect systems?​

1. Standard:
   • NIST SP 800-63B (Digital Identity Guidelines)
   • PCI DSS Requirement 8.3 (MFA)
2. Courses:
   • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
   • Offensive Security WEB-300 (WebAuthn exploitation)

This material shows how modern technologies make OTP bots ineffective. For professional growth in cybersecurity, I recommend studying FIDO2 and biometric authentication.

Need a specific case analysis? Ready to help!

The material is prepared for studying cybersecurity methods. All data is taken from open reports of CERT-FIN, Europol and research of banking threats.

 

[Student]

OTP bots are automated programs that attackers can use to quickly try stolen credentials and attempt to log into accounts using one-time passwords (OTPs). These bots pose a serious security threat, especially if the attackers have access to databases of stolen logins, passwords, and other data. Let's look at how they work and how you can protect yourself from them for educational purposes.

1. How do OTP bots work?​

OTP bots are used in automated attacks on authentication systems. Here are the main stages of their work:

a) Data collection​

• Attackers gain access to stolen credentials (for example, through databases leaked as a result of hacks).
• This data includes logins, passwords and sometimes additional information (such as phone number or email).

b) Login automation​

• The bot tries to log into accounts using stolen data.
• If the system requires an OTP, an attacker can:
  • Use phishing to obtain a code from the user.
  • Intercept SMS or notifications (e.g. via malware).
  • Quickly check OTP codes if they have been previously stolen (for example, through spyware).

c) Scaling the attack​

• Bots can attack thousands of accounts at once, making them especially dangerous.
• They often use proxies or other methods of masking IP addresses to avoid being blocked.

2. Why are OTP bots effective?​

• Speed: Bots can check thousands of combinations in seconds.
• Automation: They do not require manual data entry, making attacks scalable.
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities: For example, the delay between sending the OTP and entering it can be exploited by attackers.

3. Protection against OTP bots​

To protect your accounts from OTP bot attacks, it is important to implement a multi-layered security system. Here are some recommendations:

a) Use OTP generating apps instead of SMS​

• Apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator generate time-based passwords (TOTP) that are independent of your network.
• These codes cannot be intercepted via SMS or telephone networks.

b) Enable additional layers of protection​

• FIDO2/WebAuthn: Use authentication standards like FIDO2 that work with physical keys (e.g. YubiKey).
• Push notifications: Some services (e.g. Google, Microsoft) offer push notifications to confirm login. This is harder to bypass than SMS or TOTP.

c) Protect your devices​

• Install antivirus software to prevent the installation of malware.
• Update your operating systems and applications regularly.

d) Limit the OTP validity period​

• Set a short OTP expiration time (e.g. 30 seconds). This makes it more difficult for attackers to use stolen codes.
• Some systems automatically cancel the OTP after the first login attempt.

e) Enable monitoring and alerts​

• Set up notifications for suspicious activity (such as signing in from a new device or location).
• Check your account login logs regularly.

f) Use CAPTCHA​

• CAPTCHA can effectively block automated requests from bots.
• Modern CAPTCHAs (such as reCAPTCHA v3) work invisibly for users, but make it difficult for bots to work.

g) Protect your phone number​

• Enable PIN code for SIM card to prevent SIM swap attacks.
• Disable the ability to reissue a SIM card without personal presence.

h) Education and awareness​

• Do not enter OTP on suspicious websites or when requested by unknown persons.
• Be wary of phishing emails or messages that ask for codes.

4. Examples of technologies against OTP bots​

a) Behavioral Biometrics​

• Analyzes user behavior (e.g. typing speed, mouse movements) to detect automated attacks.

b) Rate Limiting​

• Systems may limit the number of login attempts from a single IP address or device.

c) Device Fingerprinting​

• Creates a unique "fingerprint" of the user's device that helps identify suspicious activity.

d) Risk-Based Authentication​

• The system evaluates the risk level (for example, a strange location or a new device) and requests additional confirmations.

5. Legal applications of knowledge​

If you are interested in the topic of protection against OTP bots, you can apply this knowledge in the following areas:

• Cybersecurity: Development of systems for protection against automated attacks.
• Vulnerability Analysis: Testing systems for vulnerabilities to bot attacks.
• Education: Educate users on how to use OTP securely.

6. Conclusion​

OTP bots pose a serious security threat, but modern technologies and protection methods can significantly reduce the risks. To protect your accounts:

• Use OTP generating apps instead of SMS.
• Enable additional layers of authentication (e.g. physical keys).
• Be alert to phishing attacks and regularly check your account activity.

If you want to deepen your knowledge in cybersecurity, focus on legal aspects such as security development or vulnerability analysis. This will allow you to apply your knowledge for the benefit of society.

If you have additional questions or need help with another topic, write - I will try to help!

 

[Cloned Boy]

OTP bots (One-Time Password bots) are automated tools used by criminals to steal one-time passwords used in two-factor authentication (2FA). They pose a serious threat to both users and companies because they allow them to bypass the additional layer of protection designed to prevent unauthorized access.

How OTP Bots Work​

1. Victim data collection:
   • Attackers obtain primary credentials (login, password, phone number) through data leaks, phishing sites, or purchases on the darknet.
   • This data is used to log into the victim's account, which prompts a one-time password (OTP) request.
2. Social engineering:
   • An OTP bot calls the victim, posing as an employee of a bank, customer support or other organization. Pre-prepared scripts are used to convince the victim to provide a one-time code.
   • Sometimes before a call, an SMS is sent warning about an "upcoming call" in order to gain trust.
3. Technical methods:
   • Bots can intercept OTPs through infected devices using malware that has access to SMS or notifications.
   • In some cases, SIM swapping is used to redirect SMS messages with codes to the attacker's device.
4. Using the code:
   • Once the bot receives the OTP, it passes it on to the attacker, who completes the account login process and gains access to the victim's data or funds.

Consequences of OTP Bot Attacks​

• For users:
  • Theft of funds from bank accounts.
  • Leakage of personal data that can be used for further attacks.
  • Loss of access to important accounts.
• For companies:
  • Financial losses due to fraudulent activities.
  • Damage to reputation.
  • Leak of confidential corporate information.

How to protect yourself from OTP bots​

1. User training:
   • Never disclose one-time passwords to third parties, even if the caller claims to be a bank or support service employee.
   • Check the phone numbers and addresses of the message senders. If in doubt, call back the official contacts of the organization.
2. Using strong authentication methods:
   • Instead of SMS-OTP, use authenticator apps (such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) that generate codes locally and are not network dependent.
   • Consider using biometric authentication or physical security keys (such as YubiKey).
3. Technical measures:
   • Install antivirus software and update it regularly to protect yourself from malware.
   • Use programs to block spam and suspicious calls.
   • Implement activity monitoring systems to identify suspicious activity, such as a surge in OTP code generation.
4. SIM swap protection:
   • Set a PIN code on your SIM card to prevent it from being replaced without your permission.
   • Contact your carrier to find out what security measures they offer to protect against SIM swapping.
5. For companies:
   • Implement additional layers of protection such as behavioral analytics and monitoring for anomalies in user activity.
   • Use anti-bot systems to prevent automated attacks.

Conclusion​

OTP bots are a serious threat that requires a comprehensive approach to protection. Users must be vigilant and practice good digital hygiene, while companies must implement modern security technologies and educate their customers. Only by working together can we minimize the risks associated with such attacks.