It typically combines "something you know" (like a password) with "something you have" (like a code from a smartphone) to verify your identity. This makes it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they have stolen your password.

How it works

1. The first factor: This is usually something you know, such as your password or PIN.
2. The second factor: This is a second piece of proof, most often a code sent to your phone via SMS, generated by an authenticator app, or a push notification to approve the login. Other second factors can include a physical security key or a biometric scan, like a fingerprint.
3. The process: When you log in, you first enter your password. The system then prompts you for the second factor—like entering the code from your phone—to confirm you are the correct person.

Why it's important

1. Protects against stolen passwords: Passwords can be compromised through phishing, data breaches, or other attacks. 2FA acts as a crucial defense, as an attacker would also need access to your second factor (your phone, for example) to log in successfully.
2. Increases account security: By requiring two different types of proof, 2FA significantly strengthens the security of your online accounts, such as email, banking, and social media.

Benefits of 2FA

Businesses use 2FA to help protect their employees’ personal and business assets. This is important because it prevents cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their own use.

The advantages of 2FA are endless. For example, with 2FA, there’s no need for users to carry or download a token generator, or an app associated with one. Most websites use your mobile device to text, call, or use a personalized 2FA for their business to verify your identity.

Some other advantages of 2FA include:

1. There’s no need to use a hardware token generator. These types of 2FA methods are often lost or misplaced. However, with advanced technology, 2FA methods are more convenient than ever.
2. Passcode generators are more efficient than traditional passwords. Generators are the safer option because no two passcodes are the same.
3. Max passcode entry prevents cybercriminals from hacking and accessing sensitive data.
4. The process is manageable and user-friendly.