Beyond 2FA, phone numbers serve as a key component in identity verification. Many online services and financial institutions use your registered phone number to confirm your identity during account recovery, password resets, or high-value transactions. This reliance stems from the fact that mobile phones are often personally held devices, making them a relatively secure point of contact for verification. This method provides an extra layer of assurance, helping businesses confirm you are who you claim to be before granting access to sensitive information or services, enhancing overall security.
SMS vs. Messaging Apps: Evolving Communication Habits
While SMS relies directly on phone numbers, the rise bosnia and herzegovina phone number list of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal has introduced new layers of communication. These apps use phone numbers primarily for initial registration and contact discovery, then leverage internet data for rich messaging, voice, and video calls. While they offer more features, SMS remains essential for broad reach and transactional messages, especially in regions with limited internet access or smartphone penetration. Both technologies co-exist, serving different but complementary roles in modern communication, catering to diverse needs.