What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two distinct forms of identification in order to access something.
Two-factor authentication can be used to strengthen the security of an online account, a smartphone, or even a door. 2FA does this by requiringtwo types of information from the user—a password or personal identification number (PIN), a code sent to the user's smartphone (called a message authentication code), or a fingerprint—before whatever is being secured can be accessed.
Key Takeaways
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something.
- The first factor is a password and the second commonly includes a text with a code sent to your smartphone, or biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina.
- While 2FAdoes improve security, it is not foolproof.
Understanding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authenticationis designedto prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to an account with nothing more than a stolen password. Users may be at greater risk of compromised passwords than they realize, particularlyif they use the same password on more than one website. Downloading software and clicking on links in emails can also expose an individualto password theft.
Two-factor authentication is a combination of two of the following:
- Something you know (your password)
- Something you have (such as a text with a code sent to your smartphone or other device, or a smartphone authenticator app)
- Something you are (biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina)
2FA is not just applied to online contexts. It is also at work when a consumer is required to enter theirzip code before using theircredit card at a gas pump or when a user is required to enter an authentication code from an RSA SecurID key fob to log in remotely to anemployer’s system.
Despite the slight inconvenience of a longer log-in process, security experts recommend enabling 2FA wherever possible: email accounts, password managers, social media applications, cloud storage services, financial services, and more.
Examples of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Apple account holders can use 2FA to ensure that accounts can only be accessed from trusted devices. If a user tries to log in to theiriCloud account from a different computer, the user will need the password, but also a multi-digit code that Apple will send to one of the user'sdevices, such as theiriPhone.
Many businesses also deploy 2FA to control access to company networks and data. Employees may be required to enter an additional code to sign into the remote desktop software that allows them to connect to their work computers from outside the office.
Special Considerations
While 2FAdoes improve security, it is not foolproof. Two-factor authentication goes a step further in verifying identity from the user simply entering a PIN or CVV number from their credit card.
However, hackers who acquire the authentication factors can still gain unauthorized access to accounts. Common ways to do so include phishing attacks, account recovery procedures, and malware.
Hackers can also intercept text messages used in 2FA. Critics argue that text messages are not a true form of 2FA since they are not something the user already has but rather something the user issent, and the sending process is vulnerable. Instead, the criticsargue that this process should be called two-step verification. Some companies, such as Google, use this term.
Still, even two-step verification is more secure than password protection alone. Even stronger is multi-factor authentication, which requires more than two factors before account access will be granted.
FAQs
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something. The first factor is a password and the second commonly includes a text with a code sent to your smartphone, or biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina.
What is an example of a 2FA authenticator? ›
There are several examples of 2FA, but there are two very important examples. One example is sending a code to a user's mobile phone via text message, and this sending code from 2FA must be entered in addition to the password to log in. Another example is using a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint or iris scan.
Why use two-factor authentication and how does it work? ›
Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as two-step verification or dual-factor authentication, is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. 2FA is implemented to better protect both a user's credentials and the resources the user can access.
What are two examples of multifactor authentication? ›
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a multi-step account login process that requires users to enter more information than just a password. For example, along with the password, users might be asked to enter a code sent to their email, answer a secret question, or scan a fingerprint.
What is two-step verification and how does it work? ›
2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your Google Account. In addition to your username and password, you'll enter a code that Google will send you via text or voice message upon signing in.
How do I use 2FA authentication? ›
First, a user must download and install a free 2FA app on their smartphone or desktop. They can then use the app with any site that supports this type of authentication. At sign-in, the user first enters a username and password, and then, when prompted, they enter the code shown on the app.
What is an example of authentication? ›
Username and password combination is the most popular authentication mechanism, and it is also known as password authentication. A well-known example is accessing a user account on a website or a service provider such as Facebook or Gmail.
Is 2FA 100% safe? ›
Still, like most online activities, there are ways that criminals can bypass 2FA security and access your account. For example, lost password recovery usually resets your password via email, and it can bypass 2FA. Even though it's not 100% secure, 2FA can bolster your online security and is recommended.
Does 2FA work without Internet? ›
Yes, authenticator apps work offline, meaning they do not require an internet connection to generate code. The apps use the time-based one-time password (TOTP) algorithm, which calculates the current code based on the current time and a shared secret between the app and the service you are logging into.
What are the disadvantages of 2FA? ›
These include:
- Increased login time – Users must go through an extra step to login into an application, adding time to the login process.
- Integration – 2FA usually depends on services or hardware provided by third parties, e.g., a mobile service provider issuing verification codes via text message.
One of the most common MFA factors that users encounter are one-time passwords (OTP). OTPs are those 4-8 digit codes that you often receive via email, SMS or some sort of mobile app. With OTPs a new code is generated periodically or each time an authentication request is submitted.
What is the difference between 2 factor and multifactor authentication? ›
The main difference between 2FA and MFA is that 2FA requires you to use one authentication method in addition to your username and password, whereas MFA requires one or more additional authentication methods to your username and password.
What are the two most commonly used authentication factors in multifactor authentication? ›
The three most common kinds of factors are:
- Something you know - Like a password, or a memorized PIN.
- Something you have - Like a smartphone, or a secure USB key.
- Something you are - Like a fingerprint, or facial recognition.
Authentication is used by a client when the client needs to know that the server is system it claims to be. In authentication, the user or computer has to prove its identity to the server or client. Usually, authentication by a server entails the use of a user name and password.
What are the benefits of two-factor authentication? ›
Probably the most important benefit of MFA and 2FA is that is provides an additional layer of security. Even if a hacker obtains the password/login credentials of a user, they still cannot access the data without a second factor of authentication.
What happens if you don't use 2-Step Verification? ›
Your account is more secure when you need a password and a verification code to sign in. If you remove this extra layer of security, you will only be asked for a password when you sign in. It might be easier for someone to break into your account.
How do I find my 2FA authenticator code? ›
If you lost your backup codes, you can revoke them and get new ones.
- Go to the 2-Step Verification section of your Google Account.
- Select Show codes.
- Select Get new codes.
The most corporate-friendly 2FA authenticator on our list, Duo Mobile is now part of Cisco. As such, it provides developers with essential features like multi-user deployment. For end-users, Duo Mobile covers all of the bases by offering easy, one-tap authentication.
How many digits is a 2FA code? ›
The token provides an authenticator, which is a six digit number users must enter as the second factor of authentication. You need to install the Google Authenticator app on your smart phone or tablet devices. It generates a six-digit number, which changes every 30 seconds.
What is the secret key for 2FA authenticator? ›
The secret key for two-factor authentication (which is a form of multi-factor authentication) is a unique 16 character alphanumeric code that is required during the set up of the PIN generating tools. The secret key is issued for the first time when you log on to the CommCell environment.
