Two-Factor Authentication

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two different forms of authentication when logging into an account. This is usually done by combining something the user knows (such as a password) with something the user has (such as a smartphone or physical token). By requiring two forms of authentication, 2FA makes it much more difficult for an attacker to gain access to an account, even if they have the user's password. 2FA is becoming increasingly popular as a way to protect online accounts, and is often used by banks, social media sites, and other services that require a high level of security.

Description

Two-Factor Authentication is an authentication method that requires two different forms of authentication in order to access an account. It is used to increase the security of online accounts by making it more difficult for attackers to gain access.

Usage and Examples

Two-Factor Authentication is used by many online services, including banks, social media sites, and other services that require a high level of security. For example, when logging into a bank account, a user may be required to enter their password and then enter a code that is sent to their smartphone. This code is generated by an authentication app, and is only valid for a short period of time. By requiring two forms of authentication, it makes it much more difficult for an attacker to gain access to the account, even if they have the user's password.