What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is indeed a security process where the user is required to provide two different forms of verification to authenticate their identity. This method enhances security by combining something the user knows (like a password) with something the user has (such as a smartphone app that generates a time-sensitive code) or something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).

By requiring two different factors, two-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Even if one factor, such as a password, is compromised, the additional layer of protection (the second factor) makes it much more difficult for an attacker to gain access to the account.

Other options, such as methods for encrypting data or managing complex passwords, pertain to different aspects of cybersecurity but do not specifically define what two-factor authentication is. Additionally, while malware protection techniques are important, they are unrelated to the concept of verifying identity through multiple authentication factors. This distinction is crucial in understanding the breadth of security practices and the specific role that two-factor authentication plays in safeguarding user accounts.