What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

What is it?

It goes by many names: Two Factor Authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication, Two Step Authentication, MFA, 2FA. They all refer to using a combination of something we have, something we know, or something we are when confirming we are who we say we are online.   

Your bank, your social media network, your school, your workplace…they want to make sure you are the one accessing your information and, more important, they want to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your account and data.  

So, online services are taking a step to double check. Instead of asking you just for something you know (e.g., a password) – which can be reused, more easily cracked, or stolen – they can verify it is you by asking for two forms of information.  

• They’ll ask for something you know, like a PIN number or a password, along with  
• Something you have, like an authentication application or a confirmation text on your phone, or  
• Something you are, like a fingerprint or face scan. 

Two steps are harder for a hacker to compromise. So, prove it’s you with two … two steps, that is.  

Now that you know what it is, you will see prompts for multi-factor authentication all over. So whenever it is available, opt in. Start with your email account, then financial services, then social media accounts, then online stores, and don’t forget your gaming and streaming entertainment services!

And if you don’t see a prompt for multi-factor authentication on one of these accounts, send a note to each company asking them to enable the feature. After all, it’s your security at stake!