What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that enhances the protection of user accounts by requiring two different forms of verification before granting access. This typically involves something the user knows, such as a password, combined with something the user has, like a smartphone or a hardware token. The dual-step verification adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to sensitive information.

This mechanism is essential in preventing unauthorized access, especially in our increasingly digital world where cyber threats are prevalent. By requiring two distinct forms of authentication, 2FA mitigates risks associated with password breaches, as merely knowing the password is not enough to gain access to the account.

The other choices do not accurately describe 2FA. The first choice refers only to single user verification, which does not represent the core idea of two-factor authentication. The third choice covers automatic login, which lacks the security layer provided by 2FA. The fourth choice pertains to file encryption, which is unrelated to the authentication processes involved in 2FA. Thus, the process defined in the correct choice aptly captures the essence of what two-factor authentication entails.