What is Two-Factor Authentication?
A blog post by Cyber Search.
Understanding Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. This method adds an extra layer of security to the traditional username-and-password method of online identification. In essence, 2FA aims to decrease the probability of a malicious party gaining access to an individual's devices or online accounts because knowing the victim's password alone is not enough to pass the authentication check.
How Two-Factor Authentication Works
The two factors in 2FA typically involve something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone, or a hardware token), or something you are (like a fingerprint or other biometric identifier). For example, after entering your password (the first factor), you might be required to enter a code sent to your phone (the second factor). This ensures that even if someone has stolen your password, they still can't access your account without also having your phone.
Why Two-Factor Authentication is Important
In an online world where personal information is constantly at risk, 2FA provides an important extra step to secure your data. It protects against phishing, social engineering, and password brute-force attacks and secures your logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.
Types of Two-Factor Authentication
Common types of 2FA include SMS-based verification, authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy), push notifications, email-based verification, or the use of physical hardware tokens. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, and it's crucial to choose one that balances security with convenience for users.