Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process in which a user is required to provide two forms of identification in order to access an account or service. The first form of identification is typically a password, while the second form is a code generated by an authentication app or sent to the user via text message or email.
The main idea behind 2FA is that even if someone else knows your password, they still wouldn’t be able to access your account without the second form of identification. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.
Some examples of 2FA include:
- A password and a code sent to your phone via text message
- A password and a code generated by an app like Google Authenticator
- A password and a fingerprint or facial recognition scan
2FA can be used to protect a wide range of online accounts, including email, social media, banking, and e-commerce accounts. It can also be used to secure remote access to corporate networks and other sensitive systems.
It’s important to note that 2FA is not foolproof and can be bypassed if the attacker has access to the 2FA device or intercept the 2FA code. Additionally, 2FA is not the same as Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) which refers to using more than two factors to authenticate a user.
