Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method for helping to keep online accounts more secure by enforcing the use of two of these types of “factors”:

1. Something you know (like your password)

2. Something you have (like your mobile phone)

3. Something you are (like your fingerprint)

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a common and recommended practice for protecting important accounts such as those associated with financial services.

2FA strengthens an account’s security because the second factor acts as an additional “gate.” This extra gate helps your account security by reasonably verifying that you are who you say you are after you submit your correct email address and login password.