What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)? | Microsoft Security (2024)

FAQs

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)? | Microsoft Security? ›

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. 2FA gives businesses the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks.

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.

Two-factor authentication can work in multiple ways. One of the most common examples of 2FA requires a username/password verification and an SMS text verification. In this example, when the user creates an account for a service they must provide a unique username, a password, and their mobile phone number.

2FA, and multi-factor authentication as a whole, is a reliable and effective system for blocking unauthorized access. It still, however, has some downsides. These include: Increased login time – Users must go through an extra step to login into an application, adding time to the login process.

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.

The key difference between 2-step verification vs. 2-factor authentication is that 2FA requires two independent forms of authentication from different categories. In contrast, 2SV only requires two pieces of information with no regard for whether they are from the same type of authentication category.

Two-factor authentication methods rely on a user providing a password as the first factor and a second, different factor -- usually either a security token or a biometric factor, such as a fingerprint or facial scan.

In the realm of authentication, a “factor” is something that can be used to verify a user's identity. For example, a username and password combination is a single factor. MFA combines two or more factors in order to make the authentication process more secure.

a destination number — the phone number of the recipient. message text — the body of the message, which in the case of 2FA might say something like “Your security code is 123456. Enter this six-digit number on your login screen.”

Can an account with two-factor authentication be hacked? ›

Most 2FA methods involve sending temporary codes via SMS or emails, but these can be easily intercepted by hackers through account takeover, SIM swapping, and/or MitM attacks. To avoid these vulnerabilities, businesses should use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

Dependence on a second factor: E.g., if a smartphone is misplaced, the user will be blocked from their account. Flexibility: IT leads can choose which second factors to deploy. Resistance to change: If users are unfamiliar with 2FA, it could feel intrusive.

Security Keys

This is the most secure form of 2-step verification, and it protects against phishing threats. Depending on which security key you are using such as hardware, Titan, or your phone's built-in security key, users can set up their account so that devices detect the security key associated with your account.

A classic real-world example of two-factor authentication is how you need both an ATM card (something you have) and a PIN (something you know) in order to withdraw money from an ATM.

The secret key is a unique 16 character alphanumeric code that is required during the set up of the PIN generating tools.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a second form of authentication that is used to verify your identity after you've already entered your username and password correctly. When 2FA is enabled on an account, it adds an extra layer of security to ensure that only you have the means to access your account.

2FA increases the security of your account. Even if somebody guesses your password, they won't be able to access your account. Free games! 2FA is required to claim some free games on the Epic Games Store.

2FA protects against phishing, social engineering and password brute-force attacks and secures your logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials. This dramatically improves the security of login attempts.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the best way to protect yourself online. Defeat cyber criminals & avoid account takeovers with stronger security, for free!