What does Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) require for user access?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring two or more verification methods from independent categories of credentials. These categories usually include something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a mobile device or security token), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or other biometric data).

By using multiple forms of authentication, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access since even if one factor is compromised, the attacker still requires additional verification methods to gain access. This layered approach makes it much harder for malicious parties to impersonate a user and access sensitive information.

While options that suggest a single method of identification, like passwords or biometric scans alone, do not provide the same level of security. MFA is designed to fortify user access by actively combining different forms of credentials, thereby maximizing protection against various types of security threats.