Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security practice that requires more than one authentication method from different categories of credentials to verify a user’s identity.
The factor in MFA refers to the process of verifying your identity. The most basic type of factor is your password. Your organization may choose to implement more factors to complement your password.
For example, when an organization implements MFA, you may sign in to a system using your password (what you know) and then using a separate six-digit number that is sent to your phone (what you have).