Cybercriminals never rest; they are always looking for ways to access our data. Thanks to two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication, we can improve our security and reduce risks, since it would not be enough for cybercriminals to have “only” our passwords in their possession.
Two-factor authentication, or two-step verification, is an additional layer of security that complements the use of passwords. The objective is to ensure that the user, in addition to knowing the password, is who he/she claims to be.. For that, he/she must provide information (a code or similar) that only he/she has. Typically, this information is obtained through a call or SMS; with a smart card, or using a biometric device.
Therefore, in this process, the first factor is usually the password we know, and the second a random code generated by a smart card, an external device, an app or by biometric verification.
In this way, it is verified several times, and through different mechanisms, that we really are who we say we are, adding more security to our accounts and complicating the task for cybercriminals.