As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, organizations have widely adopted multi-factor authentication (MFA) to improve security. MFA often relies on One Time PIN (OTP) codes delivered via SMS, email, or authenticator apps. However, attackers have adapted, and phishing for MFA credentials is now a major, growing threat.
Why Are OTP-Based Authentication Methods Vulnerable to Phishing?
Any authentication method that uses an OTP, whether sent by SMS, email, or generated by an authenticator app — is inherently vulnerable to phishing. Attackers deploy convincing fake login pages or use automated phishing kits (such as Evilginx2, Modlishka, and Muraena) to trick users into entering both their credentials and their OTPs. These kits can proxy real login sessions, harvesting OTPs in real time and enabling attackers to bypass MFA protections.
The sophistication and accessibility of these phishing kits have lowered the entry barrier for cybercriminals. Many of these kits are readily available on open-source platforms or dark web forums, allowing even less technically skilled attackers to launch highly effective campaigns. For example, Evilginx2 acts as a transparent proxy, capturing both credentials and OTPs as users interact with what appears to be a legitimate website, but is controlled by the attacker. Modlishka, another popular kit, is capable of intercepting not only OTPs but also session cookies, allowing attackers to hijack user sessions entirely.
Notably, even robust security measures such as end-to-end encryption cannot protect against phishing and here’s why: Encryption secures data transmission between the user and a legitimate website. However, if a user is tricked into entering their credentials and OTP on a fake website, the attacker receives the information because it was transmitted to them directly. This means that if users are deceived at the point of entry, even strong security measures are of no use when users are entering their personal information on fake websites.
The scale of the threat is significant. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) found that over 20% of phishing attacks in Q4 2023 directly targeted MFA credentials, up from 13% in Q4 2022, according to the APWG Phishing Activity Trends Report, Q4 2023. As more organizations deploy MFA, attackers are increasingly targeting these systems, making it clear that traditional OTP-based methods alone are not enough.
Why Low-Friction Authentication Methods Are the Answer
To truly defend against phishing, organizations need authentication methods that don’t rely on OTPs. Low-friction solutions, such as Syniverse Frictionless Authentication — a silent network authentication solution — verify device possession directly through the mobile network, without requiring users to enter codes. This approach is seamless for the user and invisible to attackers, making phishing kits and fake login pages ineffective.
Frictionless Authentication works by leveraging secure, behind-the-scenes communication with the mobile network to confirm that the user’s device is present and authorized. Because there are no codes to intercept or enter, attackers have nothing to phish, and users aren’t burdened with confusing extra steps. This not only improves security but also enhances the user experience by removing friction from the authentication process.
Organizations that adopt low-friction, code-free authentication methods benefit from reduced risk of credential compromise, fewer support calls related to lost or delayed OTPs, and greater user satisfaction. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead means adopting technology that addresses the root cause of vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Phishing attacks targeting OTP-based MFA are rising rapidly, and even the strongest security measures don’t prevent attackers from tricking users into handing over their credentials on fake websites. Automated phishing kits are making these attacks more common and more effective. The solution is to move beyond OTPs and adopt a low-friction authentication solution. Syniverse Frictionless Authentication delivers robust security and a better user experience. By eliminating reliance on codes and leveraging secure, silent network authentication, organizations can stay ahead of evolving phishing threats and protect both their users and their data.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let MFA phishing undermine your security strategy or your user experience. Contact our experts or visit our website to learn more about how Syniverse’s advanced silent network authentication solution can help protect your organization and your customers.
Learn more about maximizing the ROI of Identity and Authentication solutions in our whitepaper, Cracking the Security Trilemma.
