What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as Multi-factor authentication, refers to the use of two or more means of identification and access control. This may be based on “something you know, something you have, or something you are.”

A username and password, for example, is something you know.
Requiring a code sent via text message (SMS) establishes “something you have,” i.e., a mobile phone belonging to you.
Biometric authentication, through a fingerprint or retina scan, establishes “something you are.”

Multi-factor authentication is successfully enabled when at least two of these categories of identification are required in order to successfully verify a user’s identity when accessing systems.