India is pivoting beyond OTP to identity-first: Siddharth Gandhi, 1Kosmos

India is rapidly embracing Beyond OTP Authentication India, marking a major shift in digital security. With RBI’s Additional Factors of Authentication (AFA) and SEBI’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) mandates, verified identity, device binding, and passwordless biometrics are taking center stage. 1Kosmos is at the forefront of this transformation, offering secure, scalable, and user-friendly identity-first authentication solutions that protect against fraud while enhancing user experience.

Why India is Shifting Beyond OTP

Traditional OTPs (One-Time Passwords) are no longer enough to prevent modern cyber threats like account takeovers and synthetic identity fraud. Financial institutions and digital platforms are facing sophisticated attacks that require:

• Verified identity at onboarding

• Continuous authentication throughout sessions

• Biometric and device-based security

1Kosmos: Pioneering Identity-First Authentication

1Kosmos combines:

• Passwordless login

• Biometric verification

• FIDO2-certified secure sessions

• Device binding and liveness detection

This approach prevents phishing, synthetic identity attacks, and account takeovers, while keeping authentication seamless for users.

Key Benefits of Moving Beyond OTP

1. Enhanced Security: Biometric and verified identity reduce fraud.

2. Better User Experience: No waiting for OTPs, fewer login errors.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Meets RBI AFA and SEBI 2FA standards.

4. Scalability: Handles high transaction volumes without compromising performance.

5. Challenges Financial Institutions Face :

   Implementing identity-first authentication at scale requires:

   • Upgrading infrastructure for biometrics

   • Integrating legacy systems with modern platforms

   • Ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance

   • Educating users for smooth adoption

   1Kosmos simplifies this transition with a privacy-by-design platform that combines verified identity and continuous authentication.

6. How Identity-First Security Prevents Advanced Threats

   Beyond OTP methods significantly reduce risks from:

   • Synthetic identity fraud

   • Scattered Spider-style account takeovers

   • Phishing attacks

   • Session hijacking

   1Kosmos ties biometric authentication to verified identity, ensuring each session is cryptographically secure and fraud-resistant.

7. he Future: Continuous, Seamless Authentication

   The move beyond OTP authentication is setting a new benchmark for digital trust in India. By integrating identity verification, biometrics, and behavioral analytics, platforms can provide frictionless user experiences without compromising security.

   🌐 External Link: Learn more about RBI AFA guidelines here

   Conclusion

   As India embraces Beyond OTP Authentication India, solutions like 1Kosmos are leading the way. Combining security, privacy, and user convenience, identity-first authentication is now essential for financial institutions, fintech platforms, and digital services aiming to protect users and prevent sophisticated cyberattacks.