Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), sometimes called two-factor authentication (2FA), is a way of enhancing your security by requiring multiple credentials, or "factors," to authenticate your account.
A password is an example of one factor. Other factors could include your fingerprint, a one-time passcode on your phone, or a security key.
Each factor belongs to one of the following categories:
- Something you know (e.g., password)
- Something you have (e.g., cell phone)
- Something you are (e.g., fingerprint)
For a login or authentication system to be MFA, it must use two or more factors from different categories. A username and password are not considered MFA as they are both in the "something you know" category.
By using a one-time passcode from your phone with your username and password, you are now taking advantage of multi-factor authentication.
External Resources
Related Help Center Pages
- Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Enforcement for Your Organization
- Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Your Account
Meta Information
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