monitekijäistunnistus

Monitekijäistunnistus, often abbreviated as MFA, is a security process that requires users to provide more than one form of authentication to verify their identity when accessing an account or system. This multi-layered approach significantly enhances security compared to single-factor authentication, which typically relies on just a password. MFA is designed to prevent unauthorized access even if one of the authentication factors is compromised.

The most common MFA factors fall into three categories: something the user knows (e.g., a password or PIN), something the user has (e.g., a physical token, a smartphone with an authenticator app, or a smart card), and something the user is (e.g., a fingerprint or facial scan). When a user attempts to log in, they will be prompted for at least two of these factors. For instance, after entering their password, they might be asked to input a code from their phone or to scan their fingerprint.

Implementing MFA is a widely recommended security practice for both individuals and organizations. It helps protect sensitive data, personal information, and financial assets from various cyber threats, including phishing attacks and credential stuffing. Many online services and applications now offer MFA as an optional or mandatory security feature.