What is the purpose of two-factor authentication (2FA)?

The purpose of two-factor authentication (2FA) is indeed to provide additional security by requiring two forms of identification before granting access to a system or service. This layered security approach significantly enhances the protection of sensitive information and reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.

With 2FA, the user must present two distinct factors: something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a smartphone app that generates a time-sensitive code or a hardware token). This means that even if a malicious actor manages to obtain a user’s password, they still need the second factor to gain access, making it much harder for them to breach an account.

This method is essential in today’s digital landscape, where data breaches are increasingly common. By enforcing 2FA, organizations can defend against unauthorized access better and provide users with greater confidence in their security.

Other options suggest alternatives to 2FA that do not align with its primary purpose, such as eliminating passwords entirely or using solely biometric data, which would not involve the dual-factor requirement that characterizes two-factor authentication.