![]() While two-factor authentication does improve security, it is not completely foolproof. It works by demanding two types of information from the user - the first factor is usually a password or personal identification number (PIN), while the second factor could be a fingerprint or a one-time code sent to your phone. Two-factor authentication can be used to strengthen the security of a phone, an online account, or even a door. Two-factor authentication (2FA) refers to a security method used to help protect accounts and systems from unauthorized access by requiring would-be users to provide some kind of extra verification of their identity. Two-factor authentication is a key component of cybersecurity and the work done by Cybersecurity Analysts.įind out more about careers in cybersecurity with our Cybersecurity Analyst career guide What Does 2FA Mean? In fact, two-factor authentication has long been used to control who can access sensitive data and systems, and security professionals urge enabling two-factor authentication on all your online accounts, computers, and mobile devices. That extra layer of security means that even if an attacker knows a user's password, they won't be allowed access to their online account or mobile device. A 2FA method would require a user to provide not just a password or a PIN, but a second factor, ranging from a biometric factor (a facial, retinal, or fingerprint scan) to a possession factor (a one-time use code sent to a smartphone known to be in a user's possession). This process ensures better protection of both a user's personal information, credentials, and other assets, while also improving the security around the resources the user can access.Ĭertainly, two-factor authentication provides a higher level of security than authentication methods that rely on only one authentication factor (single-factor authentication), where the user provides only one factor (usually a password or PIN). Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process whereby users must provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity and access their account. Once the user enters that into their device, they gain access to their account and the system. The user then logs into their account with that email address and password, at which point a one-time password is sent to the user's mobile phone number. First, a user registers for an account with an email address and password, recording their phone number then. This type of factor is typically controlled through a device that is known to be in the possession of a rightful user (usually a smartphone). Many people use the same passwords on account after account, and if there's a breach on even one account, that means every account is compromised. Unfortunately, these authentication factors are also the ones most vulnerable to security attacks. Generally, this will be a password or personal identification number (PIN). This might be the most common factor used in two-factor authentication. Anyone who's ever had a device with the capacity to scan faces or fingerprints has experienced the frustration of trying and failing to get their iPhone to accept their face or fingerprint knows that. Although this type of 2FA provides the strongest authentication of any two-factor authentication method, it's not perfect. ![]() Most modern smartphones use face recognition, laptops often use fingerprint readers and you might even be asked to enter a handprint if you buy a season pass to an amusement park. ![]() This type of 2FA includes biometric methods like fingerprint, retinal or facial scans, handwriting analysis, or voice recognition. There are three common factors of authentication: something you are, something you know, and something you have. Factors of AuthenticationĪn authentication factor is a category of security credential used to verify a user's identity and authorization before allowing that user to gain access to their account, send communications, or request data from a secured network, system, or application. That has led to the rise in the popularity of two-factor authentication, an additional layer of security that can keep online accounts secure. After many high-profile and widespread major data breaches – which have compromised millions of people – many people have come to understand more about password security and the fact that a simple password can’t keep their online profiles safe. ![]()
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