two-factor authentication

American

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

noun

Digital Technology.

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

Etymology

Origin of two-factor authentication

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He advised affected individuals to stay vigilant, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and be cautions of suspicious emails or activity.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Yes, passwords if you have them, but just the caveat that a lot of things are two-factor authentication today.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

In the event that a caller could guess the right answer, Martino suggests having a backup question as well—a type of two-factor authentication.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023