What is TOTP in the share market?

TOTP stands for Time-based One-Time Password. A TOTP is similar in function to a password, except it changes periodically usually every 30 seconds or so. In this article, we will explore the importance of TOTP in the stock market. We will explore, whether TOTP is safe, and how to enable TOTP on your Zerodha account.

As per the National Stock Exchange (NSE) only individuals who allow two-factor authentication by the end of September 2022 will be allowed to login to their DEMAT accounts. In response to it, Zerodha said on their website. “As per new regulations presented by NSE, it is compulsory to enable TOTP 2Factor login on your account before 30th Sep 2022, failing which, you will not be able to log in to your account.” 

TOTP:- stands for a time-based one-time password. Unlike a classic OTP system, you get through SMS or email. A time-based one-time password is generated from a TOTP app that is available on your phone. This TOTP is only valid for a short period of 30 seconds – and can restore every 30 seconds. 

Is TOTP safe to use?

Yes, TOTP is safe to use. In fact, with the rise in hacking, it is no longer safe to rely on passwords. But now, you can merge a standard password with a Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP). Such a medley is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and can be used to manage your accounts, VPNs, and applications. 

Is it OK to use our biometrics system?

According to the NSE circular, biometric authentication can use either with a password/PIN or an OTP/security token. However, where biometric authentication is not feasible, login to Demat accounts must be permitted using a combination of a password/pin with an OTP/security token.

How to Unable TOTP in Zerodha account?

Visit kite.zerodha.com, and follow the mentioned below to enable a TOTP in your Zerodha account:-

1. Go to your Settings and then go to Password & Security section.
2. Click on Enable 2-Step TOTP.
3. Enter OTP mailed to the registered email address.
4. Open any secondary Authenticator apps above on a mobile phone.
5. Choose to Scan the QR code under the Add an account option and click on continue.
6. Allow permission to the phone camera, and scan the bar code available on the profile page on Kite; after that, your account connects to a secondary authenticator app. Alternatively, copy the key, mention below the QR code and use it to connect the Kite account to the authenticator app. Enter the OTP displayed on the app on Kite along with the password you chose and click on Enable.
7. TOTP is enabled; you continue doing your trading without any hindrances. 

This circular of NSE applies to all the apps or platforms providing stockbrokers to their customers. Consumer safety, in this case, is on priority for NSE. 

Conclusion

TOTP is used to provide you with one more way to secure your account and is very important for security concerns in the present scenario. That’s why NSE makes a statement concerning it; allowing all the traders to activate TOTP by 30th Sep 2022; If they want to enjoy their trading without any hindrance.