Multi factor authentication (MFA) and two factor authentication (2FA) are often used interchangeably, but they are technically different. Both prove you are who you say you are when you are logging into a system. But 2fa specifically requires two forms of authentication. MFA requires two or more. So all 2FA is MFA but not all MFA is 2FA.
To understand multi factor authentication vs 2 factor authentication, think of your last login. You were asked to provide a username and password — together these are one factor of authentication. Then you may have been asked for one more factor, such as answers to previously asked security questions. That was 2FA.
All of the factors in the 2FA example fall into the “something you know” category. Most MFA requires you to provide either “something you have” or “something you are.” Here are examples of both:
- “Something you have” is usually your cell phone. When you log in, the system sends you a text or push notification with a code and the system provides a screen to supply the code and complete your login. Text and push notifications are good, but using an authenticator app or token device to receive your code is even better. But all provide an additional layer of security over simply providing information.
- “Something you are” is usually a fingerprint scan, face scan or other form of biometrics.
So don’t worry too much about the terminology: multi factor authentication vs 2fa. What matters is that you use these more robust authentication methods to protect your business.
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