Today, I want to introduce 2FA to you. 2FA indicates two-factor authentication (2FA), which is a security system and requires two separate and different authentication methods to browse some content. However, it is still unfamiliar to some novice investors. Then, let's follow Xiaobian to see what is two-factor authentication.

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Dual authentication (commonly referred to as 2FA, two-step authentication, and two-factor authentication) is a security procedure that stipulates that the account customer can verify his/her identity in two different ways before granting access restrictions to the customer. This process is a form of multifactor authentication. It must be two of the five widely accepted authentication factors. Many enterprises use multi-factor authentication (MFA) software to achieve this goal.

Two-factor authentication is more secure than single-factor authentication. Single-factor authentication is generally a knowledge factor (items that customers know), such as account password. The most common secondary authentication factors are one-time passwords (OTPs) sent by SMS and e-mail, or one-time passwords (OTPs) derived from authenticator applications or hardware tokens.

Benefits of two-factor authentication:

1. Improve account security: The purpose of dual authentication is to improve account security.

2. Simplified account login process: The second benefit of applying two-factor authentication is to optimize the login experience of end users. Some users may have poor password management habits. Allowing customers to authenticate without password can reduce password fatigue.

3. Meet regulatory compliance requirements: Many data protection laws around the world require companies to choose robust authentication countermeasures. Choosing 2FA can help enterprises meet these requirements.

What are the factors of two-factor authentication?

The five widely accepted authentication factors are knowledge, ownership, inheritance, location and behavior.

1. Knowledge

This factor requires users to authenticate what they know. The most common single factor authentication is password-based authentication. This is called insecure because people may apply weak passwords or easily leaked passwords.

2. Own

This authentication factor requires users to authenticate what they have. Customers must provide the information they have, generally the code, SMS or text message, software token (soft token) or hardware token (hard token) provided by the authenticator application on the mobile terminal. The code provided can be a HMAC-based one-time password (HOTP) that will not expire when used, or a time-based one-time password (TOTP) that expires in 30 seconds.

3. Inheritance

This requires users to verify their identity. It considers some things unique to customers, such as biometric factors. Biometric authentication can include fingerprint scanning, finger geometry, palm or hand geometry scanning and facial fingerprints. With the increasing popularity of biometric login (including facial recognition software and fingerprint scanning function) on mobile terminals among customers, the application of biometric authentication software has become more and more widespread. Other biometric authentication methods, such as ear shape identification, voice print, retina scanning, iris scanning, DNA, taste identification, posture method, vein method, pen writing and signature analysis and typing identification, have not been widely commercialized for authentication purposes.

4. Location

The location factor requires users to verify their location and time. It takes into account the customer's geographical location and the time it takes them to get there. This form of authentication is generally used in risk-based authentication of mobile phones. Generally, these authentication methods do not require users to actively authenticate these data, but are used in the background program when determining the authentication risk of a specific user. This type of authentication verifies the geographic location of customers. It points to their current location and their geographic speed. This is a reasonable amount of time for a person to go to give the location. For example, if the user uses the MFA software provider in Chicago to carry out authentication and tries to carry out authentication from Moscow 10 minutes later, there is a security risk.

5. Behavior

This factor requires users to authenticate what they do. It is related to the specific gesture or touch mode generated by the user. For example, using the touch screen, users can create a photo password, and create a circle, a straight line or click on an image to create a unique gesture password.

Having said that, I believe you have a certain understanding of what two-factor authentication is. In general, two-factor authentication (2FA), which is a security system, requires two separate and different authentication methods to browse some content. Interested investors can learn about it.