Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security layer for account access, requiring two forms of verification. Stronger passwords and education on avoiding scams also contribute to increased online security.
Designed to provide access to an account in addition to a password, two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process in which the user provides two different authentication factors to verify themselves. This method is an extra layer of security to ensure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. First, a user will enter their password and then instead of immediately gaining access, they will be required to provide another piece of information. This second factor could come from one of the following categories: something they know (like a PIN), something they have (such as a smartphone to receive a verification code), or something they are (like a fingerprint).
Aside from 2FA, having stronger passwords and increasing the general public's education about how to avoid getting scammed are also crucial measures for safeguarding online accounts, both for individuals and for entities like companies and governments. These strategies form a robust defense against unauthorized access to sensitive information.