What does two-factor authentication (2FA) involve?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) involves providing two different authentication factors to enhance the security of an account beyond just a password. This method typically requires something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (such as a mobile device or a security token). By requiring these two distinct forms of verification, 2FA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

The approach enhances security because it adds an additional layer of defense; simply knowing the password is not sufficient to gain access. This makes it much harder for malicious actors to breach accounts since they would need both factors to authenticate. Recognizing this method is crucial in understanding effective internet security practices and protecting sensitive information online.