two-factor authentication

noun

two-fac·​tor authentication ˈtü-ˈfak-tər- 

: a method of verifying the identity of a person (as for granting access to a system) by requiring a password and an additional form of authorization (such as a code, a fingerprint, or a smartphone app)

—abbreviation 2FA compare multi-factor authentication

Examples of two-factor authentication in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025

The other advice is to remove password only access to your accounts and only to use two-factor authentication that links to your physical devices. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Prioritize Cybersecurity Education Firms should educate clients on cybersecurity through live training and videos on security features, such as fraud alerts and two-factor authentication. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Set up two-factor authentication for all your online accounts. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for two-factor authentication

• deindustrialization
• immunoprecipitation
• individualisation
• individualization
• institutionalisation
• institutionalization
• internationalization
• neovascularization
• operationalization
• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration