two-factor authentication

American  

[too-fak-ter aw-then-ti-key-shuhn] / ˈtuˈfæk tər ɔˌθɛn tɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a process of establishing identity and verifying permission to access an electronic device or computer network that requires two different forms of authorization, such as a password and a fingerprint scan. 2FA

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Etymology

Origin of two-factor authentication

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

two-factor authentication

Improving cybersecurity practices such as using two-factor authentication for devices is a start.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

They log in to the borrower’s account and request a password change, which will send a two-factor authentication code to the borrower.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026

The process works much like two-factor authentication on a banking website.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 2, 2026

And if you log in with a passkey instead of a password, sites typically won’t ask you for a second level of identity verification, such as a two-factor authentication code sent to your phone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025

“I mean...I’d like it if all of you started using Tor, maybe set up some two-factor authentication on your devices, took some steps to protect your own privacy.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro