Multi-Factor

Definitions

1. Describing authentication that requires more than one category of evidence, such as something you know, have, or are, rather than relying on a single password alone. Multi-factor protection is significantly stronger when the second factor is phishing-resistant and independent of the first.

   In plain English: Using more than one type of proof to verify identity.

   Example: "The admin console was technically protected, but not really multi-factor because both steps depended on the same mobile device."

Related Terms

• Out-of-Band Authentication
• SIM Swapping
• Time-Based One-Time Password
• Authentication Factor
• Digital Identity
• Enrollment
• Hardware Key
• Hardware Token
• One-Time Password
• Password Aging
• Password Expiration
• Password Recovery
• Password Reset
• Physical Token
• Authentication Flow
• Authentication Library
• Authentication Provider
• Authentication Service