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

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is defined as a security process that requires two different forms of identification before granting access to a system or service. This method enhances security by combining two separate elements: something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (like a mobile device or a security token). By necessitating both components, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if one element, such as a password, is compromised.

This depth of security is critical in today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of 2FA. For example, a single password providing access to multiple systems is not a two-factor method, as it relies solely on one authentication element. Tracking user access logs pertains to monitoring activities, while encrypting data in transit relates to securing data being transmitted over networks, neither of which describes the process involved in two-factor authentication.