Enhancing Security in a Test Portal with Email OTP Verification using HMAC Algorithm

As technology-related test portals become more popular, ensuring user security becomes increasingly important. In this research work, a new approach is proposed for email OTP verification using the HMAC algorithm (Hash-based Message Authentication Code). Providing a user-friendly platform for programming tests and enriching learning content is one of our project’s main objectives while enhancing security to ensure user accounts are protected. To achieve this, we have implemented a system that works with HMAC to verify OTPs via email. A unique OTP is generated using the HMAC algorithm and a secret key specific to the user. OTPs are sent to the user’s email address to ensure confidentiality during transmission. The user then enters this OTP on our portal, and our system recreates the HMAC using the secret key, comparing it with the received OTP. Access to the portal’s resources is given on successful validation; access is denied in the event of errors. This portal offers a wide variety of technology-related questions to help with the evaluation and improvement of programming skills.