two-factor authentication
noun
two-fac·tor authentication
ˈtü-ˈfak-tər- 
: a method of verifying the identity of a person (as for granting access to a system) by requiring a password and an additional form of authorization (such as a code, a fingerprint, or a smartphone app)
—abbreviation 2FA
compare multi-factor authentication
Examples of two-factor authentication in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During a House hearing in April, Change Healthcare admitted that the breach was made possible due to inadequate security measures, specifically the absence of two-factor authentication to protect its systems.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
A couple of things piqued my interest specifically: On the call, Mizuhara is asked for two-factor authentication, and the phone number (and email) listed on Ohtani’s account belonged to Mizuhara.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Things such as a fallback password and/or two-factor authentication codes, even codes that are securely stored off device, for example.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Adding two-factor authentication offers an extra layer of protection by requiring both your password and another proof of identity, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, to access your account.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for two-factor authentication 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
A couple of things piqued my interest specifically: On the call, Mizuhara is asked for two-factor authentication, and the phone number (and email) listed on Ohtani’s account belonged to Mizuhara.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Things such as a fallback password and/or two-factor authentication codes, even codes that are securely stored off device, for example.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Adding two-factor authentication offers an extra layer of protection by requiring both your password and another proof of identity, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, to access your account.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for two-factor authentication
Dictionary Entries Near two-factor authentication
Cite this Entry
“Two-factor authentication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-factor%20authentication. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share