Flerfaktorsystem

Flerfaktorsystem, often translated as multi-factor system or multi-factor authentication (MFA), refers to a security process that requires more than one method of authentication to verify a user's identity. Instead of relying on a single piece of evidence, such as a password, a flerfaktorsystem combines two or more independent factors from distinct categories to grant access to a resource, application, or system.

The primary goal of flerfaktorsystem is to enhance security by making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. Even if one authentication factor is compromised, such as a stolen password, the attacker would still need to overcome at least one additional factor to succeed.

The factors typically fall into three categories: something you know (e.g., a password, PIN, or security question), something you have (e.g., a physical token, smartphone, or smart card), and something you are (e.g., a fingerprint, facial scan, or iris scan – biometrics). A common implementation involves combining a password (something you know) with a one-time code sent to a registered mobile device (something you have).

Flerfaktorsystem is widely adopted across various online services, including banking, email, and cloud platforms, to protect sensitive data and user accounts from various cyber threats like phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks. Its implementation adds a crucial layer of defense in depth, strengthening overall cybersecurity posture.