What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is designed to enhance security by requiring users to provide two or more verification methods to gain access to a system, application, or account. This approach combines multiple factors from different categories: something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone app or hardware token), and something you are (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). By integrating these various factors, MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, as an attacker would need to compromise more than one authentication factor.

In this context, simply relying on a password alone does not provide the same level of security, as passwords can be compromised through various means such as phishing or brute force attacks. Furthermore, encryption techniques serve to protect data integrity and confidentiality but do not authenticate users. Assessment of user privileges pertains to determining access levels for users based on their roles, which is not the same as authenticating their identity. Thus, the option describing multi-factor authentication as requiring multiple verification methods accurately captures its purpose and effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive information.