What is the benefit of using two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly enhances security by requiring users to provide two different forms of verification before gaining access to an account or system. This method combines something the user knows, like a password, with something the user has, such as a smartphone or a hardware token. By implementing 2FA, even if an attacker manages to acquire a user's password through phishing or other means, they would still be unable to access the account without the second verification factor.

This added layer of protection reduces the risk of unauthorized access and is particularly valuable in safeguarding sensitive information and accounts from cyber threats. It addresses the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks that exploit single-factor authentication systems, making it a critical component of modern security practices.