Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a layered approach to securing your online accounts and the data they contain. When you enable MFA in your online services (like email), you must provide a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before the service grants you access. Using MFA protects your account more than just using a username and password. Users who enable MFA are significantly less likely to get hacked, according to Microsoft. Why? Because even if one factor (like your password) becomes compromised, unauthorized users will be unable to meet the second authentication requirement ultimately stopping them from gaining access to your accounts.

You may see options to enable MFA listed as Two Factor Authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication, or Two Step Factor Authentication.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • Used in financial institutions : Many banking and financial institutions use Multi-factor Authentication so you should too if you value your information, data and identity online.
  • An added layer of security : 2FA is simply an added layer of protection against unauthorized access to your account and helps to ensure that only you are accessing your account.
  • Second Verification : 2FA requires two pieces of information to be verified before allowing the user access to the online account where 2FA is enabled.
  • Methods used for 2FA : When setting up 2FA, you will have the option to choose a method that will be used for your 2FA: a phone call, an email, a notification, the use of an authenticator app or program or a text containing a code.
  • Provides extra security to your online accounts : email account, financial services, social media accounts, online stores, gaming and streaming entertainment services.
  • Increased security, less risk : It's simple for the user to add 2FA which in turn makes it extremely difficult for the attacker to succeed.