What is the purpose of multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is designed to increase the security of user accounts by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access. This can include something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone for a text message code), or something the user is (like a fingerprint). By combining these different forms of authentication, MFA makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access, as they would need to compromise multiple authentication factors.

The importance of MFA lies in its ability to provide an additional layer of security beyond just a password. This is vital in today’s threat landscape, where data breaches and identity theft are prevalent. A single piece of information, such as a password, can be relatively easy to steal or guess, but having multiple factors drastically reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.

In contrast to the other options, which either imply a reduction in security or do not address the multi-layered verification aspect, this answer captures the essence of what makes MFA a critical component of modern security protocols. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA significantly mitigates risks associated with compromised credentials.