Two-factor authentication (2FA) 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. It is a security process that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something. The two factors can be something the user knows, such as a password or PIN, and something the user possesses, such as a security token or smartphone.
Two-factor authentication is implemented to better protect both a users credentials and the resources the user can access. It provides a higher level of security than authentication methods that depend on single-factor authentication (SFA), in which the user provides only one factor, typically a password or passcode.
An example of two-factor authentication is withdrawing money from an ATM, where only the correct combination of a bank card (something the user possesses) and a PIN (something the user knows) allows the transaction to be carried out. Another example is supplementing a user-controlled password with a one-time password (OTP) or code generated or received by an authenticator that only the user possesses.
Two-factor authentication is used to help protect personal and business accounts, and it is recommended that users implement it through the security settings of their smartphone or electronic device. It is also the default security method for most Apple IDs, and certain Apple services and features, such as Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple, require two-factor authentication.
In summary, two-factor authentication is a security process that requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism to gain access to a website or application. It provides a higher level of security than authentication methods that depend on single-factor authentication and is used to help protect personal and business accounts.
