what is multi factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an electronic authentication method that requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism to gain access to a website or application. The authentication factors of a multi-factor authentication scheme may include something the user has, something the user knows, and something the user is. Examples of these factors include a security token, a password, and biometric verification methods such as a fingerprint or voice recognition. MFA is used to increase security and reduce the incidence of online identity theft and other online fraud. It is commonly used by businesses to validate user identities and provide quick and convenient access to authorized users. MFA can be implemented in different ways, and the steps in the multi-factor authentication process include registration, authentication, and verification. The extra security provided by MFA comes from the fact that a hacker would need to have access to multiple factors to gain access to a system, making their job more difficult.