a one time password

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one time password" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of digital security to refer to a password that is valid for only one login session or transaction. Example: "For added security, please enter the one time password sent to your registered email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The tags within the subsection define the configuration required to forward a One Time Password request to a RADIUS server.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A six-digit number is sent to their cell phones via text as a one time password.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yahoo wants to end your dependency on memorizing passwords — or creating crap ones that can be guessed or hacked — after it introduced a new "on-demand" system that sends a one-time password when you need to log in.

TechCrunch

If you've enabled 2FA on Twitter, Facebook, or Google, you've probably received a one-time password, through SMS text message, for logging in or making changes to the account.

Harvard Business Review

In a typical two-factor authentication application, user authentication proceeds as follows: a user will enter username and password into a website or other server, generate a one-time password for the server using TOTP running locally on a smartphone or other device, and type that password into the server as well.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

It's a one-time password for a given app, and that app may run on an Apple device, but it won't work for all the Facebook-enabled apps on the same device.

TechCrunch

The whole point of a one-time password is that it doesn't matter if it leaks, since it only works once.

The Guardian - Tech

If you need to, use a one-time password and then change it as soon as you can, once you're out of the public eye.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the future, he envisions a card that each of us will carry, perhaps equipped with a fingerprint reader, that will in effect be a one-time password system.

The New York Times

In mid-July, an account manager at Ferma, a construction firm in Mountain View, CA, logged in to the company's bank account to pay bills, using a one-time password to make the transactions more secure.

MIT Technology Review

Emailers can also dictate that recipients have to input a one-time password to read certain messages, in an attempt to ensure that only the intended recipient receives the information.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When implementing two-factor authentication, clearly communicate to users how to obtain and use "a one time password" for a seamless login experience.

Common error

Don't store or reuse "a one time password". Its security relies on being used only once. Treat it as a disposable key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one time password" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one time password" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed noun phrase that represents a single-use password, typically employed for enhanced security during authentication processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its utility spans across diverse fields like News & Media, Academia and Science. When composing content utilizing this term, emphasize its singular use nature and the security advantages it provides. Alternative phrasing options include "a single-use password" or "a temporary password". Remember to never reuse a "a one time password".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single-use password

Emphasizes that the password is valid for only one use.

a temporary password

Highlights the limited lifespan of the password.

an OTP

This is the acronym for "one time password".

a one-time pin

Replaces "password" with "pin", which is also a numeric code.

a single authentication code

Focuses on the code's role in authentication and its single-use nature.

an on-demand password

Highlights that the password is created when requested.

a dynamic password

Indicates that the password changes regularly.

a session password

Links the password to a specific session.

a unique access code

Highlights the code's role in providing access and its uniqueness.

a transaction authentication number

Specifies that this number is used for authentication during a transaction.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a one time password"?

The purpose of "a one time password" is to provide an extra layer of security by ensuring that even if a regular password is compromised, the attacker cannot gain access without the unique, single-use password.

How is "a one time password" typically delivered to the user?

Typically, "a one time password" is delivered via SMS text message, email, or through an authenticator app on a smartphone. The method depends on the service and user preferences.

What can I say instead of "a one time password"?

You can use alternatives like "a single-use password", "a temporary password", or "an OTP" depending on the context.

Is "a one time password" more secure than a static password?

Yes, "a one time password" is more secure because it is only valid for a single login attempt, making it significantly harder for attackers to reuse compromised credentials. This is a key component of two-factor authentication.