Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) have become critical for organizations to protect user accounts, assets and data, and for users to stay safe, especially as cybercriminals perfect ways to break through single-factor security. But what is the difference between 2FA and MFA?
Bonus Content: Download the Authentication Whitepaper and read our full analysis about MFA, 2FA and other authentication methods.
- Single-factor authentication requires users to authenticate with only one type of evidence for authentication, which, most of the time, is a password.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA), requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, for authentication. A key goal for MFA is to add additional authentication factors to increase security. MFA offers numerous benefits for businesses opting for it on their authentication approach.
There are three common types of authentication factors used to authenticate users:
Type 1: Knowledge - Something you know, such as a password, or answer to a question
Type 2: Possession - Something you have, such as a security key or token
Type 3: Inherence - Something you are, such as a unique biometric or behavioral characteristic
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), also sometimes referred to as 2-step verification, is a security approach requiring users to present two factors for authentication for accessing an account.
MFA vs 2FA
So, two-factor authentication (2FA) requires users to present two types of authentication, while MFA requires users to present at least two, if not more types of authentication. This means that all 2FA is an MFA, but not all MFA is a 2FA.
Two-factor authentication vs multi-factor authentication: Which method adds more security?
Even though both 2FA and MFA add enhanced security measures beyond username and password credentials, they each provide different levels of assurance that the person accessing the account is legitimate. So, is MFA more secure than 2FA? The short bittersweet answer is, it depends.
In general, any 2FA or MFA is more secure than single-factor authentication. However, the security added by any MFA strategy is as strong as the authentication methods chosen by risk professionals.
MFA is only as secure as the authentication methods chosen
The layered approach adds security, but the inherent low security of a few authentication methods could still maintain low security even with MFA. As an example, an authentication relying on a password (knowledge), one-time password (OTP) (possession), and FaceID (Inherence) are more secure than only using a password, but both passwords and OTP methods are weak in security.
2FA could be more secure than authentication relying on even three authentication factors
On the other hand, a 2FA used by an account supporting Recognition Signals, such as location behavior (Inherence) and Mobile Push (possession), both methods that are among the most difficult to crack, could be deemed more secure than the MFA with three different factors. That is why any MFA strategy is only as strong as the methods used.
The use of mobile recognition signals offers the possibility of stronger authentication methods for MFA.
Bonus Content: Download the Authentication Whitepaper and read our full analysis about MFA, 2FA and other authentication methods.
Added security could also mean more friction, but not always
The more layers added to MFA, the better for security. Higher security can prevent many bad actors from presenting a threat, but if users have to face high friction as well, most likely they will use other services. Users hate friction, particularly in their mobile user experience. In 2018, less than 10% of Google's users had activated optional two-factor authentication (2FA), so, it is clear that users choose a frictionless experience over security when given the chance. Even so, it is a necessity to keep users safe. So, how to give them the choice to have a frictionless experience and still provide an opportunity to choose enhanced security?
Recognition signals on mobile are one of the types of authentication that offer higher security with the lowest possible friction. By using sensors from mobile devices, it is possible to recognize anomalies in user and device behavior, such as location behavior that is not typical for the user. Location is proven to be the strongest trust signal for mobile. Data from Incognia’s network shows that 90% of the logins and 95% of the sensitive transactions at financial services Apps happen from a trusted location (a location that is often frequented by the user). That is why Incognia provides zero-factor authentication, an approach that could invoke MFA only when needed, depending on the identification of anomalies in behavior. If the user behavior is identified as trusted, there is no reason why they should face more friction to gain access to their accounts.
Any MFA strategy should rely on the highest security and lowest friction methods possible. 2FA is enough if the authentication methods are used to follow these same guidelines.
FAQs
MFA allows a user to use more than one type of authentication method, whereas 2FA only allows you to add one type of authentication factor on top of your username and password. Because you can implement several types of authentication factors with MFA, it makes it a more secure solution to 2FA.
What is the difference between 2FA and MFA? ›
2FA requires two forms of evidence to confirm an individual's identity, such as something they know (password) and something they have (a phone for a one-time code). MFA requires two or more forms of evidence, including possibly biometric verification, adding layers of security.
What is the difference between two step authentication and two-factor authentication? ›
Differences between 2FA and 2SV
Just like every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square, every 2FA is 2SV, but not all 2SV is 2FA. The key difference between 2-step verification vs. 2-factor authentication is that 2FA requires two independent forms of authentication from different categories.
Why is MFA more secure than 2FA? ›
Technically, MFA is more secure than 2FA because you can use more than one additional authentication method aside from your username and password. Of the four different types of authentication factors, MFA also requires that each factor you use be a different type.
What is the difference between multi-factor and multi step authentication? ›
Multi-step authentication considers having several resources of the same factor in a scheme. Multi-factor authentication, in turn, requires at least one step of two or more factors in an authentication scheme. At last, we can have many steps of different factors in a single authentication scheme with no problem.
Is 2FA a subset of MFA? ›
MFA is often used interchangeably with two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is basically a subset of MFA since 2FA restricts the number of factors that are required to only two factors, while MFA can be two or more.
What is the difference between MFA and step up authentication? ›
Step-up authentication and adaptive authentication are authentication systems, whereas MFA is a term that covers authentication factors both systems use. MFA refers to authentication methods that go beyond username and password, such as biometrics, physical cards, and emailed links.
What is the difference between mutual authentication and two-factor authentication? ›
MFA vs 2FA. So, two-factor authentication (2FA) requires users to present two types of authentication, while MFA requires users to present at least two, if not more types of authentication. This means that all 2FA is an MFA, but not all MFA is a 2FA.
Why is two-factor authentication better than single factor authentication? ›
With 2FA, users are required to provide two pieces of verifiable information to authenticate. 2FA was designed to add an additional layer of security to sensitive information. Primary credentials and passwords are often forgotten or compromised, so 2FA can be used to help ensure that sensitive information is secure.
What is the main advantage of using two-factor authentication? ›
In contrast, two-factor authentication adds an additional security layer to prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information, even if they do obtain a password. In addition to a username and password, 2FA also requires the user to enter a private one-time access code.
2FA, and multi-factor authentication as a whole, is a reliable and effective system for blocking unauthorized access. It still, however, has some downsides. These include: Increased login time – Users must go through an extra step to login into an application, adding time to the login process.
Why is two-factor authentication not safe? ›
Problems Facing 2FA
First, a two-factor authentication system that uses a password as one form of authentication is using one relatively weak credential. Passwords are frequently exposed in data breaches and leaks. That's why it's wise to change your passwords regularly.
Which authentication method is the most secure? ›
1. Biometric Authentication Methods. Biometric authentication relies on the unique biological traits of a user in order to verify their identity. This makes biometrics one of the most secure authentication methods as of today.
What are the 3 factors of multi-factor authentication? ›
Factors include: (i) something you know (e.g. password/personal identification number (PIN)); (ii) something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); or (iii) something you are (e.g., biometric).
What is the difference between modern authentication and multi-factor authentication? ›
Modern authentication enables the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) which adds multiple layers of security. In Modern Authentication, users can log into their accounts using their login-id and password. This login credentials are used to identify the user and to generate a temporary token for access.
Is Microsoft authenticator 2FA or MFA? ›
Two-step verification (sometimes called multi-factor authentication) helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your Microsoft account.
What is 2FA vs MFA vs SSO? ›
SSO simplifies the process of logging into multiple accounts or platforms with just one set of credentials, making it easier for employees to access the resources they need. 2FA and MFA provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users have access to the data.
What are the three types of authentication? ›
There are three authentication factors that can be used: something you know, something you have, and something you are. Something you know would be a password, a PIN, or some other personal information.
Is a authenticator better than 2FA? ›
An authenticator app is safer than SMS authentication because it generates 2FA codes locally, which prevents cybercriminals from intercepting the codes as they can with SMS.
