Monitekijätodennusta

Monitekijätodennusta, often translated as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) when two factors are used, is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an online account. This method is employed to add a layer of security beyond just a password or PIN. The core principle behind monitekijätodennusta is that if one factor is compromised, the other factors still protect the account.

The verification factors typically fall into three categories: something the user knows (like a password or PIN), something the user has (like a smartphone, hardware token, or smart card), and something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial scan). A common example of monitekijätodennusta is when a user enters their password (something they know) and then receives a one-time code on their phone via SMS or an authenticator app (something they have).

Implementing monitekijätodennusta significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Even if a password is stolen through phishing or a data breach, the attacker would still need to possess the second factor to log in. This makes it a crucial security measure for protecting sensitive information and online accounts in an era of increasing cyber threats.