A strong password is an essential factor that keeps your online account or device safe. However, citing technological advancement, hackers use upgraded ways to breach one’s security. To combat this, two factor authentication plays a great role by adding an extra layer of protection. As stated by the name, this method has two layers i.e. a password followed by a time based OTP or a security key. In this blog, we shall be discussing about two factor authentication, its benefits, the ways in it which work and how it is different from MFA.
What is Two Factor Authentication?
The Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is a method that offers two authentication layers for users. The first factor usually comprises a password or PIN. Whereas, the second factor comprises an OTP, typically SMS or a time-based OTP generated by an authenticator app. This approach strengthens access control by mitigating unauthorised access attempts that compromise the first factor.
Benefits of Two Factor Authentication
Two Factor Authentication is an important security layer that neutralises the effect of compromising the password or your device. Here are the major benefits offered by 2FA.
- Two factor authentication has two layers, a password followed by a code or a TOTP (Time Based OTP) or a security key. The dual security level does not allow intruders to sneak into your account
- This method is used widely for social media apps as it offers a security layer even if the user’s password is compromised. For instance, if you have enabled a two factor authentication, then you have to use the second factor (SMS code, TOTP, Security key) to login
- 2FA is easy to use and does not requires a lot of steps to follow. Whether you are using SMS verification or Authenticator app, the steps to use either of these are extremely simple and does not requires you to remember a lot of passwords
- Since 2FA requires something the user knows (password) and something they have (like a phone or a hardware token), it significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access even if passwords are stolen
Two Factor Authentication Methods
Two Factor Authentication methods have been commonly used for smartphones, desktops and social media apps due to the added layer of security it offers. Citing its technological advancement, there are four types of two factor authentication, the details of which can be checked below.
- SMS verification
SMS verification is the first two factor authentication type that offers a safe passage to your account. In this method, the user has to ask for a unique code which is then sent to the phone number for identity verification.
- Authenticator apps
Several authenticator apps offers time based codes on the phone. These apps like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator do not need network connectivity.
- Security keys
Security keys are typically physical codes that can be stored in the USB port of the device. This is also a great alternative as compared to SMS verification as it cannot be forged. The only issue with this is that if the USB corrupts then you can lose the access.
- Biometric Authentication
As the name says, this authentication method uses fingerprint, face recognition or IRIS scan. This has an edge over other two factor authentication ways as it cannot be swapped or forged.
How Does Two Factor Authentication Work?
Two-factor authentication is a three step process due to its added security levels. The steps are simple to follow and can be checked in the section below.
Step 1: Initial Login
The first step in initiating a two factor authentication is to log in to the official dashboard. Post login, the user have to enter their username or email address followed by the password or security key.
Step 2: Second Factor Verification
The second step involves generating a prompt for the second factor verification. One can opt for SMS verification(OTP is sent to the registered phone number), an authenticator app (one-time password), a Security key or biometrics.
Step 3: Verification and Access
Finally, enter the second factor code that you have received on the space. Post submission, the system will verify the code and grant access if it is found to be true.
Two Factor Authentication vs MFA
Be it two factor authentication or MFA, they do a similar job of offering extra layers of security to the phones. Nevertheless, their working mechanism is completely different. There is a significant difference between both of them that can be checked in the table below.
| Feature | Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) |
| Number of Factors | Two | Two or more |
| Type | Username/Password + SMS code sent to your phone, Username/Password + fingerprint scan | Username/Password + security key fob, Username/Password + fingerprint scan + voice recognition or facial recognition |
| Security Level | Two factor authentication adds a significant layer of security to the device as compared to a single password. Even if a
hacker steals your password, they still need the second factor to gain access to the device. |
MFA is considered a more secured option than 2FA as it requires multiple levels. Even if a hacker compromises one factor, they’d still need to bypass the others. |
| Flexibility | 2FA has some limited additional factors to choose from, (e.g., SMS code, phone call verification, authenticator app). | MFA offers more flexibility in choosing desired security factors. One can choose from different methods like, hardware tokens, fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, voice recognition, or one-time codes generated by an authenticator app. |
| Complexity | The complexity level of two factor authentication is very simple. This is because it comes with easy-to-follow instructions and choosing your preferred second factor. | MFA requires additional setup depending on one’s preferred factors. In some cases, one should require hardware tokens along with compatible devices. |
| Convenience | 2FA offers a slight inconvenience if you are relying on SMS codes as it can be delayed. | MFA offers the strongest security level but is less convenient to use compared to 2FA. This is because it involves multiple factors. |
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