What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication requires at least two independent types of evidence for account access.
Factor types
A password, a possessed security key and a biometric trait are different factor classes. Two passwords are not two factors. Additional checks may be triggered by risk.
Uses and limitations
It limits damage from stolen passwords. SMS is vulnerable to number takeover and phishing; phishing-resistant authenticators are preferable where available.
Related topics
Zero trust architectureWhat is computer vision?What is HTTP/3?What is open-source software?What is serverless computing?What is a progressive web app (PWA)?What is caching?What is a passkey?What is a photovoltaic solar panel?What is CORS?What is a data pipeline?What is deep learning?What is a firewall?What is CI/CD?What is data governance?What is a QR code?What is load balancing?What is edge computing?What is model fine-tuning?What is an IP address?Artificial intelligenceWhat is HTTP?What is UDP?What is machine learning?What is an API?What is TCP?What is fiber optics?What is cloud computing?What is a virtual machine?What is Arm architecture?What is Bluetooth?What is a data contract?What is RAM?What is computer hardware?What is programming?What is RISC-V?What is observability?What is a cryptographic hash?What is responsive web design?What are internet cookies?What is database replication?What is API versioning?What is data backup?What is data encryption?What is a central processing unit (CPU)?What is cybersecurity?What is a database?What is a database index?What is Wi-Fi?What is a quantum computer?