Aduna, a global provider of standardized network APIs, has announced a new network-based authentication solution in collaboration with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The technology is designed to replace SMS One-Time Passcodes (OTPs) and combat the rising threat of AI-driven identity theft across the U.S. mobile ecosystem.
Network-Based Verification Replaces SMS OTPs
For years, SMS OTPs have been the default authentication method, but cybercriminals increasingly use AI and sophisticated social engineering to bypass them. Aduna's Number Verification solution uses strong possession-based authentication, confirming a mobile number's authenticity with the carrier and its association with the SIM and device in real time, without the friction and risk of SMS OTPs.
Earlier network-based verification attempts struggled when users were on Wi-Fi or specific devices. The latest breakthrough addresses these technical barriers, enabling seamless operation across all major operating systems and network types, providing a consistent, secure login experience for virtually every smartphone user in the United States.
Industry Leaders Comment on the Launch
“We are entering an era where your mobile number is one of your most secure digital passports,” said Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna. “By authenticating users directly through the carrier network in real time, we can reduce customer friction while significantly reducing the risk of fraud through interception or account takeover.”
Lani Ingram, vice president of AT&T Connected Solutions, AT&T Business, added: “At AT&T, we’re focused on advancing the network as a platform for innovation. Aduna’s Number Verification marks an important step in how businesses and developers securely interact with the network. Through standardized network APIs, we’re enabling real-time authentication that moves beyond legacy methods like SMS codes. Our work with Aduna reflects a shared commitment to open innovation and delivering more secure, seamless digital experiences at scale.”
Fraud Losses and Solution Benefits
The launch comes as U.S. consumers reported a record $15.9 billion in fraud losses last year, according to the FTC, amid growing concern over increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled scams. Aduna’s network-level approach provides advanced security by helping prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, total reach through a single integration across AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks, and better conversion by removing the waiting-for-a-text step, leading to fewer abandoned logins and lower customer support costs.
By leveraging strong possession-based authentication between carriers and their subscribers, Aduna’s Number Verification sets a higher bar for digital identity. For hyperscalers, system integrators, and app developers, it offers a way to regain consumer trust in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
