Smart-Host UK

Cybersecurity 2FA vs MFA

The terms Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) both refer to security measures that enhance the protection of online accounts and systems by requiring additional verification beyond just a username and password. Simply put, it comes down to how many forms of authentication will be required of the use after having successfully typed in their username and password. that said, there are key differences between the two:

 

2FA Two-Factor authentication 

Definition: 2FA is a subset of MFA that requires exactly two factors to authenticate a user.

Components: Typically combines two of the following:

  1. Something you know (e.g., a password or PIN)
  2. Something you have (e.g., a smartphone, security token, or code from an app)
  3. Something you are (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan)

Example: Logging in with a password (something you know) and a one-time code sent to your phone (something you have).

MFA Multi-Factor Authentication 

Definition: A broader term that involves using two or more factors from different categories to verify a user’s identity.

Components: Can include multiple factors, such as:

  1. Something you know (e.g., security questions in addition to a password)
  2. Something you have (e.g., a hardware token and a one-time code from an app)
  3. Something you are (e.g., fingerprint and facial recognition)

Example: Logging in with a password, a smartphone code, and a fingerprint scan (three factors).

Key Differences 

Number of Factors:

  • 2FA: Always uses exactly two factors.
  • MFA: Uses two or more factors.

Flexibility:

  • 2FA is limited to two factors and may not meet security requirements for highly sensitive systems.
  • MFA allows organisations to implement additional layers of security as needed.


Complexity:

  • 2FA is simpler and quicker to implement.
  • MFA can be more complex, offering enhanced security at the cost of convenience.

In Conclusion  

  • 2FA is a specific type of MFA with exactly two authentication factors.
  • MFA is a broader concept that can include 2FA or add more layers for enhanced security.

In practice, many organisations start with 2FA as a baseline and expand to MFA for additional security as needed.