What is the purpose of two-factor authentication (2FA)?

The purpose of two-factor authentication (2FA) is to provide an additional layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before granting access to an account or system. This typically involves something the user knows, such as a password, and something the user has, like a smartphone app that generates a time-sensitive code or a hardware token. By implementing this two-step process, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

This additional verification step helps ensure that only the legitimate user can access sensitive information or perform actions within an account, making it a critical component in enhancing security protocols for online services and applications. It is particularly important as cyber threats and attacks become more sophisticated, providing an added barrier against potential breaches.