Two-factor authentication means that whatever application or service you’re logging in to is double-checking that the request is really coming from you by asking you to confirm the login through a separate action.

You have probably used 2FA before, even if you were not aware of it. If a website has ever sent a numeric code to your phone for you to enter to gain access, for instance, you have completed a multi-factor authentication.

2FA is essential to web security because it immediately neutralises the risks associated with compromised passwords. If a password is hacked, guessed, or even phished, that is no longer enough to give an intruder access: without approval at the second factor, a password alone is useless.

2FA also helps in keeping your online accounts highly secure, as it actively involves users in the process of remaining secure, and creates an environment where users are knowledgeable participants in their own digital safety. When a 2FA notification comes to a user, they have to answer the question, “Did I initiate that, or is someone attempting to access my account?” This underlines the importance of security with each transaction.

While most other web security methods are passive, and don’t involve end users as collaborators, 2FA creates a partnership between users and administrators.

Check the Two-Factor Authentication section at https://amanraqami.com/en/guides for further details about what is a two-factor authentication, how to enable 2FA on different accounts, methods, associated risks, etc.