Static passwords have had their heyday — a different approach is needed when it comes to improving user security
What is 2FA
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a specific type of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that strengthens access security by requiring two methods (also referred to as authentication factors) to verify your identity. These factors can include something you know — like a username and password — plus something you have — like a smartphone app — to approve authentication requests.2FA protects against phishing, social engineering and password brute-force attacks and secures your logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.
Why is 2FA Important?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the foundational element of a zero trust security model. In order to protect sensitive data, you must verify that the users trying to access that data are who they say they are. 2FA is an effective way to protect against many security threats that target user passwords and accounts, such as phishing, brute-force attacks, credential exploitation and more.
Let’s say you use a username and password to complete primary authentication to an application. That information is sent over the Internet (your primary network). You’ll want to use a different (out-of-band) channel to complete your second factor. Approving a push notification sent over your mobile network is an example of out-of-band authentication.
