What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. Typically, one factor is something the user knows (like a password), and the other is something the user has (like a security token, smartphone app, or biometric scan). This adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access accounts, even if they have stolen or guessed the password. It is commonly used to protect online accounts, financial transactions, and sensitive data.