Abstract: A technique for multi-factor authenticating a user on a first device, the user having an associated second device configured with an authenticator application, and wherein the authenticator application is offline. In this scenario, and responsive to receipt of a request to access a protected resource, a push notification is sent to the authenticator. While the push notification remains pending, a delivery status of the push notification is requested. Upon determining based on the delivery status that the authenticator is offline, an alert is provided to the user, preferably in a user interface of the first device, and indicates the delivery status of the push notification. The alert also includes an instruction to the user to attempt an authentication through an alternative communication channel. The user is then permitted to access the protected resource only upon completing the authentication through the alternative communication channel.

Abstract: A computer implemented method manages passwords. A number of processor units receives a password request for a one-time password from a user. The number of processor units sends the one-time password with a message request for a read receipt to the user. The number of processor units activates the one-time password in response to receiving the read receipt from the user.