Two-factor authentication (2FA or TFA) is the technical term for the process of requiring a user to verify their identity in two unique ways before granting access to the system.
Users are typically accustomed to authentication systems that require them to provide a unique identifier such as an email address, username, or phone number, and a password or PIN to access the system.
A system based on a single authentication factor can unfortunately be vulnerable since users often tend to use the same one to gain access to multiple systems.
With practices such as phishing, which are becoming more and more common and elaborated, the integrity of a password can be compromised very quickly.
Two-step verification (also known as 2FA) consists of strengthening the protection of your account by adding a second means of identification. This can be done in various ways:
sending a unique code by SMS ;
sending a code that can be used for a limited period of time (TOTP: time-based one-time password);
use of an authentication application;
using facial, voice or fingerprint recognition;
use of a cryptographic key or security key.
...
The purpose of these many processes is to provide users with additional security and thus limit the loss and theft of personal data.
Even if a password were to be compromised, it is not possible to log in without knowing the nature of the second factor used and without having access to it.
Why did you implement 2FA?
We secure access to your account.
Securing account access is a key issue for us, and involves using a variety of methods. From strong password policy to data encryption, security is a top priority even before the first line of code was written at Greenly.
With two-step verification, also known as two-factor authentication, we now add an extra layer of security to your account in case your password is stolen.