Aduna with Major U.S. Carriers Introduces Network-Based Authentication as an alternative to SMS Codes
Aduna, a global provider of standardized network APIs, has partnered with major U.S. carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to introduce network-based authentication as an alternative to SMS One-Time Passcodes (OTPs). This new solution aims to significantly reduce digital fraud and identity theft, which have been exacerbated by AI-driven scams. By authenticating users directly through the carrier network in real-time, Aduna’s Number Verification confirms the authenticity of a mobile number, its associated SIM, and the device being used. This method is designed to provide a more secure and seamless login experience, overcoming previous technical barriers that hindered network-based verification on Wi-Fi or specific devices. The initiative addresses the rising concern over sophisticated AI-enabled scams, which led to a record $15.9 billion in fraud losses in the U.S. last year.
While this announcement focuses on the U.S. market, Aduna’s global footprint and its venture partners, which include major Asian telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, KDDI, Reliance Jio, Singtel, and Telstra, make this development highly relevant for Asia. The shift from vulnerable SMS OTPs to more robust network-based authentication addresses a universal challenge: the escalating threat of AI-driven fraud and identity theft. Asian markets, with their high mobile penetration and rapid digital transformation, are equally susceptible to these sophisticated scams. The success of Aduna’s solution in the U.S. could accelerate its adoption and deployment across these partner networks in Asia, setting a new standard for digital security and user authentication in the region.
Furthermore, the collaboration with hyperscalers and app developers through standardized network APIs (based on the CAMARA open-source project) signals a broader trend towards leveraging carrier network intelligence for enhanced security and user experience. This approach offers Asian businesses and developers a blueprint for building more resilient digital ecosystems, reducing customer friction, and improving conversion rates by eliminating the inefficiencies and risks associated with traditional SMS verification. The move underscores the growing importance of mobile numbers as secure digital passports and highlights the strategic role of telecom operators in safeguarding digital identities in the AI era.
