What is 'two-factor authentication'?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that enhances the protection of user accounts by requiring two distinct forms of verification before granting access. This typically involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (like a mobile device to receive a verification code).

The strength of 2FA lies in its layered approach to security. Even if a malicious actor manages to obtain the password, they would still be unable to access the account without the second factor, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. This method is widely used across various platforms to secure sensitive data and improve overall account security.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of two-factor authentication. For instance, relying on a single verification method would be considered less secure than 2FA. Encryption techniques and malware are unrelated concepts that pertain to data protection and online threats, respectively, making them unsuitable in the context of 2FA.