What does "two-factor authentication" involve?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that enhances the protection of user accounts by requiring two different forms of verification. This typically consists of something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (such as a smartphone or a security token) or something the user is (biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition). The use of two distinct factors greatly increases the security of an authentication process compared to relying solely on a single method such as a password.

For example, even if an attacker obtains someone’s password, they would still need the second factor to gain access to the account, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult. This dual layer of security is critical in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape where data breaches are common and user credentials are frequently compromised. The definition of two-factor authentication is rooted in this combination of different types of verification, underscoring its importance in protecting sensitive information.