two-factor authentication

noun

two-fac·​tor authentication ˈtü-ˈfak-tər- How to pronounce two-factor authentication (audio)
: 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
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The initial order came as a penalty after the FTC found that a coding error had caused then-Twitter to improperly share users’ contact information for ad targeting that had initially been submitted for two-factor authentication. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 Some banks that use two-factor authentication, a text code or QR code scan at login, may not connect automatically. Sharon Wu, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Some of the more sophisticated attacks can even capture your active login session, allowing criminals to bypass two-factor authentication entirely. Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 29 June 2026 Priority items include setting up credit report monitoring, enabling fraud alerts, and turning on two-factor authentication for your online banking. Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for two-factor authentication

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-factor authentication was in 1990

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Cite this Entry

“Two-factor authentication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-factor%20authentication. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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