What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or VPN. Instead of just asking for a username and password, MFA requires one or more additional verification factors, which decreases the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.

Here are the common types of factors used in MFA:

1. Something you know: This could be a password, PIN, or an answer to a security question.
2. Something you have: This might be a smartphone, a hardware token, or a smart card.
3. Something you are: This involves biometrics like fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice recognition.

By combining these factors, MFA provides a higher level of security compared to single-factor authentication, which relies solely on a password. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access sensitive information or systems.