MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication
An authentication method requiring evidence from two or more distinct factor categories.
Plain English
Use more than one kind of proof to verify identity.
In context
MFA combines factors such as something known possessed or inherent so one compromised credential is less likely to expose the account.
Example
“Administrators must complete MFA before changing billing access.”
When you'll hear this
- account security
- privileged access
- employee onboarding
Common misunderstanding
Two steps using the same factor type are not necessarily multi-factor authentication.
Also known as
multi-factor authentication2FAtwo-factor authentication
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-27
