The most common two-factor-authentication (short: 2FA) is used at ATMs: you will be able to withdraw money only if the bank card and the PIN number match. The combination of two factors unequivocally verifies the user’s identity and protects him against misuse. If one of the factors is missing or wrong, access will be denied completely. This way the account is safe, even if the data falls into the wrong hands. Google, for example, uses the 2FA for its email service: the user enters his data, he will then receive a code to his phone to authenticate himself a second time. Instead of a numerical key or a PIN, fingerprints or iris scan can be used as the second step of authentication as well.
Two-factor-authentication
Two-Factor AuthentificationThe most common two-factor-authentication (short: 2FA) is used at ATMs: you will be able to withdraw money only if the bank card and the PIN number match. The combination of two factors unequivocally verifies the user’s identity and protects him against misuse. If one of the factors is missing or wrong, access will be denied completely. This way the account is safe, even if the data falls into the wrong hands. Google, for example, uses the 2FA for its email service: the user enters his data, he will then receive a code to his phone to authenticate himself a second time. Instead of a numerical key or a PIN, fingerprints or iris scan can be used as the second step of authentication as well.