What is two-factor authentication and do we really need it?

Two-factor authentication adds a second level of authentication to an account log-in. When you have to enter only your username and one password, that’s considered a single-factor authentication. 2FA requires the user to have two out of three types of credentials before being able to access an account. The three types are:

• Something you know, such as a personal identification number (PIN), password or a pattern
• Something you have, such as an ATM card, phone, or fob
• Something you are, such as a biometric like a fingerprint or voice print