What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process designed to enhance the protection of user accounts by requiring two distinct forms of verification to confirm a user's identity. This method typically combines something the user knows, such as a password or PIN, with something the user possesses, like a smartphone or a security token.

The effectiveness of two-factor authentication lies in its ability to reduce the risk associated with password-only protection. If a cybercriminal obtains a password, they would still need the second factor for access, making it significantly more challenging to compromise an account. This layered security approach is instrumental in safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access.

The other options do not capture the full scope of what two-factor authentication entails or misrepresent security measures. A single password does not provide the added layer of protection that 2FA does, while a method of password reset is merely about recovering access to an account, not verifying identity through dual factors. User role management refers to controlling user permissions and access levels within systems, which is a separate concept from identity verification.