What does multifactor authentication require?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that enhances the protection of user accounts and sensitive data by requiring two or more distinct verification methods for access. This approach is crucial because it adds layers of security, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access, even if one of the verification methods is compromised.

In MFA, the verification methods typically fall into three categories: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (such as a mobile device or security token), and something you are (biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition). By combining these methods, MFA reduces the risk of security breaches since a potential attacker would need to compromise multiple factors to gain access to the system.

The other options present limitations that do not align with the principles of multifactor authentication. Relying on a single verification method, such as a username and password alone or a PIN code by itself, does not provide the additional security that comes from requiring multiple forms of verification.