Two-Factor Authentication, also known as 2FA is a method of identifying a user with two different pieces of information. It can be a combination of any two of the following three pieces of information.

• Something you know – Password, Pin or passphrase
• Something you have – Chip-enabled bank card or token
• Something you are – Iris, fingerprints or voice

Two-factor authentication works by demanding that two of the above three factors be correctly entered before granting access to a system or website.

Why use multiple factors of authentication?

Using multiple factors of authentication can drastically reduce the occurrence of online identity theft and online fraud because having access to a user’s password is not enough authentication information for a fraudster to gain access to your information.

Multiple factor authentication is highly recommended for any system or network that contains sensitive data. If you would like a comprehensive list of web sites and services that offer two-factor authentication visit twofactorauth.org