Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two distinct forms of identification in order to access something.

Two-factor authentication can be used to strengthen the security of an online account, a smartphone, or even a door. 2FA does this by requiring two types of information from the user—a password or personal identification number (PIN), a code sent to the user’s smartphone (called a message authentication code), or a fingerprint—before whatever is being secured can be accessed.

Understanding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is designed to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to an account with nothing more than a stolen password. Users may be at greater risk of compromised passwords than they realize, particularly if they use the same password on more than one website. Downloading software and clicking on links in emails can also expose an individual to password theft.

Two-factor authentication is a combination of two of the following:

Something you know (your password)
Something you have (such as a text with a code sent to your smartphone or other device, or a smartphone authenticator app)
Something you are (biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina)

2FA is not just applied to online contexts. It is also at work when a consumer is required to enter their zip code before using their credit card at a gas pump or when a user is required to enter an authentication code from an RSA SecurID key fob to log in remotely to an employer’s system

Special Considerations

While 2FA does improve security, it is not foolproof. Two-factor authentication goes a step further in verifying identity from the user simply entering a PIN or CVV number from their credit card.

However, hackers who acquire the authentication factors can still gain unauthorized access to accounts. Common ways to do so include phishing attacks, account recovery procedures, and malware.

Hackers can also intercept text messages used in 2FA. Critics argue that text messages are not a true form of 2FA since they are not something the user already has but rather something the user is sent, and the sending process is vulnerable. Instead, the critics argue that this process should be called two-step verification. Some companies, such as Google, use this term.

Still, even two-step verification is more secure than password protection alone. Even stronger is multi-factor authentication, which requires more than two factors before account access will be granted.

What are the benefits of 2FA?

Reduced risk of fraud: 2FA can help to reduce the risk of fraud, such as unauthorized account access and financial transactions.

Minimized attack surface: 2FA mitigates the risk of attacks from compromised passwords and unauthorized access to better protect all users, and reduce the organization’s attack surface.

Improved compliance: Many industries and regulations now require organizations to implement 2FA to protect sensitive data. For instance, 2FA is mandatory for cybersecurity insurance and for financial institutions to meet Federal Trade Commission (FTC) compliance.

Overall, 2FA is a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts and systems. It is highly recommended that you enable 2FA on all your important accounts, such as your email, bank, and social media accounts.

FAQs

Why use 2FA authentication?

As the number of security breaches continues to rise, 2FA has become an essential web security tool because it mitigates the risk associated with compromised login credentials. If a password is hacked, guessed, or even phished, 2FA prevents an attacker from gaining permission without approval by a second factor.

Passwords are vulnerable

2FA is a crucial security step because passwords alone are not enough to ensure the security of online accounts and systems. Passwords are like house keys; they grant admission but provide no assurance of who’s holding them.

A mere password cannot guarantee secure connection to digital resources, underscoring the importance of access security tools like 2FA, MFA, and passwordless authentication.

What is push-based authentication?

Push-based 2FA typically works through a mobile authenticator app. The app sends a notification on a user’s device, requiring their approval to authenticate access to accounts, applications, and resources.

Push-based and passwordless authentication mitigate password-related risks, such as password interception or duplication, common vulnerabilities in Short Message Service (SMS)-based 2FA. To stay ahead of attackers, organizations are transitioning to push-based 2FA and passwordless authentication.

Push-based authentication with number matching asks users to enter a matching number when approving authentication requests, providing additional security against push harassment and fatigue attacks.

Adaptive authentication dynamically considers risk signals at the time of authentication and may step up the authentication method. For example, it may require push with number matching or passwordless authentication to mitigate risk.

Moving away from SMS-based 2FA is recommended in favor of adaptive authentication and passwordless authentication, which are more secure options. They not only protect your accounts but also simplify the user experience to frustrate attackers, not trusted users.

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