What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different forms of identification in order to access a system or account. This authentication method adds an additional layer of security to the login process beyond just using a username and password. The objective of 2FA is to prevent unauthorized access to a user's account and protect against security breaches.

Dissecting Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) was created to address the vulnerabilities of online systems that solely relied on username and password combinations for authentication. Such systems were vulnerable to attacks like social engineering, phishing, and password cracking. The concept of 2FA has been in existence for several years, but it became popular as a viable security measure in the late 1990s.

RSA Security introduced the first commercial implementation of 2FA in 1995, using the SecureID token system that required users to enter a one-time password generated by a physical token in addition to their username and password to gain access to a system or account.

2FA Methods

As the Internet expanded and more sensitive data was stored online, stronger authentication methods were required. Two-Factor Authentication emerged as a solution to this problem, providing an additional layer of security beyond passwords.

Authentication Factors

To gain access to a system or account, Two-Factor Authentication necessitates users to offer two separate forms of authentication factors. These factors are grouped into three primary categories

Knowledge Factors

These are something that the user knows, such as a password or a PIN. Knowledge factors are the most common authentication factor used in online systems, but they are also the most vulnerable to being compromised.

Possession Factors

These are something that the user has, such as a security token or a mobile device. Possession factors are often used in conjunction with knowledge factors to provide an additional layer of security.

Inherence Factors

These are something that the user is, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition. Inherence factors are biometric measures that are unique to each user and difficult to duplicate.

Common 2FA Methods

There are a number of 2FA methods that are commonly used and offer different levels of security and user convenience.

SMS/Text Message Verification

Involves users providing their phone number to obtain a code via SMS or text message, which they must enter alongside their password to access the system or account.

Mobile App Authentication

Entails users downloading and installing a mobile app that generates a one-time password (OTP) for each login attempt. Users input this OTP and their password to access the system.

Hardware Tokens

Necessitates users possess a physical device, like a USB drive or smart card, which generates a unique code for each login attempt. Users submit this code and their password to access the system.

Biometric Authentication

Demands users offer a physical or behavioral trait, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition, to access the system or account.

Email Verification

Obliges users to provide their email address to receive a code via email. Users input this code and their password to access the system.

Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP)

Requires users to input a code, valid for a short duration (usually 30 seconds), generated by a mobile app, hardware token, or another device. The code changes regularly to deter unauthorized access.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Implementation

2FA has advanced over time, resulting in more sophisticated and secure techniques for identity validation. This enhanced security approach employs a combination of factors to authenticate a user's identity before allowing access to sensitive information or accounts.

1. User Registration: When you enable 2FA on an account, you'll be prompted to provide a phone number or set up an authentication app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator). If you're using a phone number, a text message with a verification code will be sent to your device. If you're using an authentication app, you'll need to scan a QR code or enter a secret key to link the app to your account.
2. Account Login: When you try to log in to the account with 2FA enabled, you'll first enter your username and password (or PIN) as you normally would. This is the first factor of authentication.
3. Second Factor Request: After successfully entering your password, the system will request the second factor of authentication. Based on the configuration in place, the user will be prompted with one of these options:
4. One-Time Password (OTP) generated by an authentication app or device.
5. Physical token such as a smart card, USB key, or security token that is plugged into the computer's USB port or held near the device.
6. Biometric factors such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan.
7. Text message or phone call to a pre-registered phone number containing a code to enter.
8. User Verification: You will need to enter the OTP received via text message or provide the code generated by the authentication app. If you're using a push-based authentication app, simply approving the login request will suffice. This step confirms that you have access to the device linked to your account, serving as the second factor of authentication.
9. Access Granted: If both factors of authentication are verified, you'll be granted access to your account. If either factor fails, access will be denied.

No security measure is 100% foolproof, but two-factor authentication lowers unwanted access by requiring an attacker to possess both the user's password and the second factor.