What does "two-factor authentication" (2FA) provide?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances security by requiring users to provide two distinct forms of verification before gaining access to an account or system. This typically involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (such as a smartphone app that generates a one-time code or a hardware token). By implementing this additional layer, even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented because the second form of verification is required.

This method significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, making accounts much harder to compromise than those that rely solely on a single password. Therefore, the understanding of 2FA as a mechanism that adds substantial security through multiple verification methods is crucial in the realm of cyber security. The other options do not capture the essence of what 2FA stands for, focusing instead on aspects like convenience or singular methods of protection, which do not equate to the dual authentication process of 2FA.