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

The Arlo app is swift to load, offers rich notifications, and supports two-factor authentication. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 9 July 2025

Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account for an extra layer of security. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025

It was restored the following day, and the office took the opportunity to promote security measures such as two-factor authentication log-ins. —Jean Marbella, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025

Use two-factor authentication and a password manager: If a scam compromises your login credentials, two-factor authentication (2FA) can block unauthorized access. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for two-factor authentication

• deindustrialization
• immunoprecipitation
• individualisation
• individualization
• institutionalisation
• institutionalization
• internationalization
• neovascularization
• operationalization
• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration