Security News > 2022 > November > 2FA, 3FA, MFA… What does it all mean?

MFA protects a system, location, or sensitive data from being accessed by an unauthorized user.

MFA systems also consider a one-time password/code received by the user via SMS or authenticator app as a possession factor.

In an MFA setup, if one factor can't be provided or is incorrect, the user will not be given access!

Two-factor authentication is an authentication setup that requires the user to provide two authentication factors to be granted access.

The withdrawal of money from an ATM is an example of 2FA in action: The user can withdraw money only with the correct combination of a bank card and PIN. Another example: The user wants to access an online account protected by 2FA. They need to provide the correct password and one-time password available only on the users' device/smartphone.

Three-factor authentication is a more secure authentication process that adds a third layer of protection to user accounts.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/11/09/2fa-3fa-mfa-video/