What Type of One-Time Password (OTP) Changes After a Set Time Period?

One type of one-time password (OTP) that changes after a set time period is called a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP).

TOTP is a form of two-factor authentication that generates a unique and temporary password at fixed intervals, usually every 30 seconds. It is commonly used by various online services to enhance security by requiring not just a static password but also a changing OTP for user authentication.

The TOTP algorithm calculates the current password based on a shared secret key and the current time, ensuring that the password changes frequently and is time-bound. This time-sensitive nature enhances security as the OTP becomes invalid after a certain period, making it harder for attackers to intercept and misuse.

Therefore, if you come across a system or service that mentions OTPs changing after a set time period, it is likely referring to TOTPs that safeguard your accounts with regularly updated and time-bound security codes.