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:
Example: Logging in with a password (something you know) and a one-time code sent to your phone (something you have).
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:
Example: Logging in with a password, a smartphone code, and a fingerprint scan (three factors).
Number of Factors:
Flexibility:
Complexity:
In Conclusion
In practice, many organisations start with 2FA as a baseline and expand to MFA for additional security as needed.