What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that enhances protection by requiring two or more verification factors before granting access to a resource, such as an application or a website. This method combines different types of credentials, typically including something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a mobile device or hardware token), and sometimes something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). By implementing MFA, organizations significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, as even if one factor is compromised, an attacker would still need to breach additional layers of security.

The other options do not accurately describe MFA. Relying on only one verification factor fails to provide the additional security layers that define MFA. Simplifying user login is not the primary goal of MFA; instead, it focuses on security enhancement, potentially making the login process more complex but safer. Lastly, data encryption is a separate discipline focused on protecting data by converting it into a secure format, which does not relate directly to the authentication processes involved in MFA.