What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity before gaining access to an account or system. These two factors typically fall into three categories:

Something You Know
This factor involves information that only the user should know, such as a password, PIN, or security questions.

Something You Have
This factor involves something physical that the user possesses, such as a smartphone, smart card, or hardware token. This device generates or receives a one-time code that must be entered during the authentication process.

Something You Are
This factor is based on biometric data, such as fingerprint scans, retina scans, or facial recognition. It verifies the user's unique physical characteristics.

To authenticate successfully with 2FA, a user typically combines factors from at least two of these categories. For example, a common 2FA process involves entering a password (something you know) and then receiving a one-time code on a smartphone app (something you have) that must also be entered.Remember that no system is completely immune to security threats, and breaches can happen even with the best security measures in place.

Two-factor authentication enhances security by adding an additional layer of protection beyond just a password. Even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second factor, which is often time-sensitive and harder to compromise. This helps protect accounts from unauthorized access and data breaches.


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