two-factor authentication

[too-fak-ter aw-then-ti-key-shuhn]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of two-factor authentication¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

I’m not quite ready to blame our national loneliness epidemic on two-factor authentication and automated help desks.

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

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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.

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My phone started pinging with two-factor authentication notifications.

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The National Cyber Security Centre says you should change your password, and use two-factor authentication if possible.

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