two-factor authentication
/ˌtuːfæktər ɔːˌθɛntɪˈkeɪʃən/
Meaning
A security process where a user provides two different authentication factors to verify themselves (such as a password followed by a code sent to their phone). This adds an extra layer of protection to online accounts. It is often abbreviated as 2FA.
Examples
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I highly recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your email account to prevent hacking.
I highly recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your email account to prevent hacking.
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After entering my password, the site asked for a code from my two-factor authentication app.
After entering my password, the site asked for a code from my two-factor authentication app.
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The bank requires two-factor authentication for all online transactions.
The bank requires two-factor authentication for all online transactions.
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I lost my phone and now I can't log in because of two-factor authentication.
I lost my phone and now I can't log in because of two-factor authentication.
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Setting up two-factor authentication is one of the easiest ways to secure your digital identity.
Setting up two-factor authentication is one of the easiest ways to secure your digital identity.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to enable double-factor authentication.
✓ I need to enable two-factor authentication.
While 'double' means two, the standard technical and conversational term is always 'two-factor authentication' (or 'multi-factor authentication' if there are more steps).
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✗ The website asked me for two-factor authentic.
✓ The website asked me for two-factor authentication.
Use the noun form 'authentication' for the security process, not the adjective 'authentic'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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For better security, you should turn on ___ on all your social media accounts.
💡 The full name of the 2FA security system.
Show answer
two-factor authentication
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I received a login notification because my ___ was triggered.
💡 The process that requires a secondary code to verify your identity.
Show answer
two-factor authentication