What Is 2FA and MFA? Meaning, Types, and Examples 2024

Key Takeaways: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method where online services will verify your identity with two different pieces of information — like a password and a fingerprint — before you gain access to your account.
  • Authentication factors can be categorized into something you know (like a PIN or security question), something you have (like a one-time password), something unique to you (like your fingerprint) or something you do (like logging in from a trusted device).
  • Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, works similarly to 2FA but involves more steps to verify your identity. It tends to be used in settings with high-level security, like government agencies or financial institutions.

Facts & Expert Analysis About 2FA & MFA:

  • Passwords aren’t enough: It’s all too easy for hackers to obtain usernames and passwords to gain access to accounts through phishing, data breaches or brute-force attacks. Having 2FA is an easy way to boost security.
  • Use 2FA on high-value accounts: Experts recommend setting up 2FA on accounts that would harm you if the passwords were stolen, like your bank account, social media profiles, payment apps and email accounts.
  • Some 2FA methods are more secure: For example, using biometric data or a hardware token (like a USB stick or dongle) is more secure than sending a password or code to your email or mobile device.

We take online security seriously by using the best VPN services and best password manager tools to protect our data. However, how can we ensure safe access to our online accounts and avoid being hacked by malicious third parties? That’s where two-factor authentication comes in — but what is 2FA, and how does it verify your identity during the login process?

2FA and MFA help improve account access security and protect your privacy online. They stop hackers from using stolen details (like usernames and passwords) to fraudulently get into your accounts. Two-factor authentication is easy to understand and use for most users, and it significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized parties gaining access to your account.

However, it’s not always clear how 2FA works or which methods are best for securing your accounts. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at how two-factor authentication works, how different apps and services implement it, and how well it secures your login data.

What Is 2FA & What Does It Mean?

2FA, or two-factor authentication, allows users to verify their identity to access their online accounts. When you set up two-factor authentication, you’ll be asked to provide a second step that only you can utilize. This could mean receiving a passcode sent to a verified mobile device or authenticator app, using biometrics or signing in to a trusted device.

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Purpose of 2FA

Two-factor authentication acts as a second line of defense to prevent malicious third parties from gaining access to your accounts. A hacker can obtain your username and password in various ways, like using phishing scams or purchasing stolen data. Identity theft statistics show that cybercrime is on the rise, so this puts your sensitive data at risk.

Knowing how to create a strong password will do only so much to stop hackers. Adding an extra verification method to your password helps prevent hackers from actually getting into your account. They might have your password, but if they don’t know that second authentication factor, then they can’t access your account.

What Is MFA?

MFA, or multi-factor authentication, works similarly to 2FA — it simply involves more steps to verify your identity. Instead of a single authentication factor, MFA uses two or more factors to make sure it’s really you accessing the account and not an unauthorized third party.

You won’t typically see MFA on email or social media accounts, as it tends to be used by companies or businesses that handle data requiring stronger security. These include financial services, government agencies or healthcare services.

2FA vs MFA

Here are the key differences between these two options:

  • 2FA provides one additional layer of authentication. It’s more secure than using just a password to protect your account, but it isn’t invulnerable to malicious third parties.
  • MFA provides multiple layers of additional authentication. It’s more secure than 2FA, but it’s not widely available on everyday services like email, social media or payment apps.

What Are Authentication Factors?

Both two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication use authentication factors to verify your identity. These can be something you know, something you own, something unique to you, or something you do to ensure that only you can access your accounts. Below, we’ll take a look at the most common authentication factors.

  • Knowledge factors: Theoretically, these factors are something that only the user knows, like a password, personal identification number (PIN) or an answer to a question. It’s typically the first step in 2FA. 
  • Possession factors: These are often something that the user has, and they typically involve a software token such as a one-time password (OTP) sent to a user’s mobile phone. An authenticator app can also generate a code, or you can plug in a hardware token — a physical token, like a key fob or USB stick — to authenticate your identity.
  • Inherent factors: These factors are specific to the user, such as biometric data like your fingerprint or facial features. They are very difficult to crack due to their unique nature.
  • Behavioral factors: This is something that the user does, like confirming a push notification or signing in from a trusted device. You can also authenticate by using your usual WiFi network and IP address.

Examples of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 

Let’s take a look at how Fortnite uses 2FA to secure user accounts. When a gamer sets up their account, they’ll be prompted to activate 2FA to prevent unauthorized access. The user can set up a second authentication method in several ways, such as using an authentication app or verified email address, or having an SMS sent to their mobile phone.

Fortnite provides several options when setting up two-factor authentication.

Other companies, like Facebook, Discord and Ubisoft, use similar factors when users set up their accounts. For example, Facebook offers 2FA verification through authentication apps, SMS or security tokens. Ubisoft also prefers authentication apps but provides email codes as well.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?

Here’s a basic overview of how two-factor authentication works:

  1. The user opens the site or app for the account they want to access.
  2. The user enters the first authentication factor, like their username and password.
  3. The service prompts the user to use a second authentication factor to verify their identity. This could be a push notification, biometric authentication like a fingerprint, or a one-time password or code sent to the user’s phone or email.
  4. The user enters the second factor into the app or site. If the factor is correct, the user is granted access to their account.

2FA Apps

One of the top authentication methods that helps prevent identity theft is a 2FA app. These generate a time-based one-time password (TOTP) using the current time, and they share a secret key on the user’s device. You can take a deeper look at the best authenticator apps in our in-depth guide, but here’s a quick overview of our top choices:

  • Duo Mobile
  • OneLogin
  • Google Authenticator
  • Microsoft Authenticator
  • Authy

Types of 2FA

The types of 2FA for confirming user identities can vary depending on the website or app you’re accessing. Below is an overview of the most popular kinds of 2FA, along with the pros and cons of each method.

One-Time Passcodes in Text Message (SMS) or Email

A one-time passcode sent via SMS or email is typically six digits long (although it can be longer). It expires after one use, so you can’t use it again. However, it’s the most risky 2FA option as hackers can easily exploit it. We recommend using the best identity theft protection tools as an extra layer of security for your personal information.

Pros:

  • Quick & convenient
  • Simple & familiar option for most users
  • Better than using only password protection

Cons:

  • More vulnerable to exploits like SIM card swap attacks
  • Scammers can trick users into sharing verification codes
  • Requires internet connection or mobile signal to work

Authenticator Apps

Third-party authenticator apps, like Duo Mobile or Microsoft Authenticator, are more secure than using an OTP. The app generates a passcode that lets you sign in to your online account. Some apps also provide push notifications when a new login is detected so you can deny or approve authentication requests. 

Pros:

  • More secure method that generates an authentication code
  • Not susceptible to hacking methods like SIM card swap attacks
  • Works offline without an internet or mobile signal

Cons:

  • Not compatible with all services that use 2FA
  • Setup & usage may be confusing for some users
  • Can accidentally approve or dismiss push notifications
microsoft authenticator

Services like Microsoft Authenticator make it easy to add extra security
to your online accounts.

Backup or Recovery Codes

When you activate two-factor authentication, some services will provide a list of backup codes that will let you sign in if you can’t use another method. These codes work only once, and you must store them securely so that other users can’t access them. Take a look at our guides to the best encrypted cloud storage and best encryption software for secure storage options.

Pros:

  • Useful if you can’t access your primary 2FA method
  • Codes never expire & can be regenerated when used
  • Can print & store physical copies in a secure place

Cons:

  • Codes aren’t encrypted & can be stolen
  • Physical copies can be lost
  • Accessing & entering codes can be frustrating or time-consuming

Hardware Tokens or Security Keys

Undeniably the most secure 2FA method, hardware tokens are physical items (like a USB dongle) that authenticate users with security keys to verify their identity. These can be plugged into a device or placed nearby using near-field communication (NFC) to authenticate and provide secure account access.

Pros:

  • Most secure 2FA method
  • Credentials can’t be hacked via conventional methods
  • Don’t require an internet connection to work

Cons:

  • Can be costly or incompatible with online services
  • Can be inconvenient as users must carry them at all times
  • Hardware tokens can be lost or stolen

Is Two-Factor Authentication Secure?

Two-factor authentication is secure, but not completely. Hackers can still access authentication factors to gain entry into accounts with 2FA active. For example, they can intercept a text message or hijack account recovery procedures with phishing or malware. 2FA is more secure than using just password protection, but it’s less secure than multi-factor authentication.

What to Do If Two-Factor Authentication Is Not Working?

If two-factor authentication isn’t working, here are a few steps you can try to fix the issue:

  • Ensure that you’re connected to the internet and your device has a signal (if you often have signal problems, a hardware token or security key is your best bet).
  • Restart your device before trying again.
  • Use an account recovery code or a verification code (if available).
  • Disable security apps that block text messages or calls from unknown numbers.
  • If using an authenticator app, make sure the time and date match your current location.
  • Reach out to customer support if you still can’t use two-factor authentication to access your account.

Final Thoughts

Using passwords isn’t the most secure way to keep data safe — especially if you use the same password on multiple accounts. 2FA is a great way to add an extra layer of security, but not all 2FA methods are highly secure. Many sites and services are turning toward passwordless authentication, preferring to use biometrics or physical tokens as more secure options.

We’re keen to know your thoughts: What two-factor authentication methods do you find the most convenient to use? Would you be happy to use biometrics or hardware tokens to access your account? Do you think that user passwords are sufficient for maintaining account security? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: MFA & 2FA in Security 

  • 2FA, or two-factor authentication, is a way to boost your account security by adding a second verification layer before you can access your account. First, you enter your initial authentication factors (like your username and password). Then, you’ll be prompted to enter a second user authentication method, such as a one-time password or biometric data (like your fingerprint).

  • 2FA is safe, but it’s not completely immune from hackers or data interception. Malicious actors have developed more sophisticated methods for obtaining or bypassing 2FA information. Email and text message authentication are the least secure, whereas biometric authentication is much more secure.

  • Some examples of 2FA include sending a text message with a code to trusted mobile devices, receiving push notifications or a PIN, using an authentication device or app, plugging a physical token into your device, using biometric data or signing in from a trusted device.

  • 2FA is good because it provides additional account security beyond a username and password. This means that even if your first step is compromised (for example, through information leaked in a data breach), it’s difficult for someone else to gain unauthorized access to your account.


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