Okta Caller Verify is more secure than traditional security questions because it eliminates common vulnerabilities associated with knowledge-based authentication (KBA). Here's why:

 

Security Questions Are Easy to Guess or Breach

• Publicly Available Information: Many security question answers (e.g., mother’s maiden name, first pet, or high school) can be found online, especially via social media or data breaches.

• Social Engineering Attacks: Attackers can manipulate users into revealing security answers through phishing or phone scams.

• Credential Stuffing & Data Leaks: If security answers are leaked in a breach, attackers can reuse them to bypass authentication.

 

Caller Verify is more secure because it relies on real-time, device-based authentication rather than static, guessable answers.

 

Dynamic & Real-Time Authentication

• Caller Verify uses Okta Verify push notifications or one-time passcodes (OTP) sent via SMS or email.

• These methods require real-time interaction from the legitimate account owner.

• Even if an attacker knows some personal details, they cannot approve a push notification on the victim’s device.

 

This ensures the user is actively present and authenticating, rather than relying on pre-set, potentially compromised answers.

 

Protection Against Replay & Phishing Attacks

• Traditional security questions can be reused indefinitely once exposed.

• Caller Verify generates a new challenge every time, making replay attacks impossible.

• Push notifications and OTPs add an additional security layer that prevents phishing attacks.

 

Even if attackers have some personal data, they still need access to the user’s phone or email.

 

Reduces Agent Fraud & Insider Threats

• Security questions can be misused by malicious agents or compromised call centers that store or leak answers.

• Caller Verify removes agent access to security answers, making insider fraud much harder.

• The verification process is logged, ensuring accountability and compliance.

 

Even support agents don’t see the verification data, reducing risk.

 

Compliance & Zero Trust Security

• Many regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) discourage or prohibit using static security questions for identity verification.

• Caller Verify aligns with Zero Trust security principles by verifying the user based on their real-time authentication, not stored knowledge.

 

Caller Verify meets modern security and compliance standards, making it a safer alternative.