Multifactor authentication, or Two Factor Authentication (sometimes abbreviated as MFA, and 2FA respectively) is a secure way to log in to websites using more than one method of authentication.
Types of Authentication
- Something you know – a password, a pin, a passcode etc
- Some you have – an authenticator app on your cell phone, an email address, a text message
- Something you are – Biometric, fingerprint scan, face scan
You probably use all of these methods on a daily basis anyway, you use a thumb scan or faces can to log into your iPad, you use Passwords to log into websites and services, and you probably receive text or email verifications to proof who you are.
Combining more than one of the above Types of Authentication is Multifactor Authentication.
How It Protects You
By having Multifactor Authentication enabled on your online accounts, you are stopping cybercriminals from logging in as you if they managed to get a hold of your account password. They will also need to have that other component, your cellphone, access to your email* etc, to complete the verification process.
Most sites and services these days support Multifactor Authentication and it is the recommended way to secure your accounts along with a unique password on each site and service you use.
* always make sure to use separate passwords on each account, if they know one password you use, they will try it on your email account and could intercept that Multifactor Authentication request on your behalf