What does multi-factor authentication enhance?

Multi-factor authentication enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification to confirm a user’s identity before granting access to a system, application, or resource. This approach strengthens security because it combines at least two different factors from various categories, such as something the user knows (e.g., a password), something the user has (e.g., a token or smartphone), and something the user is (e.g., a fingerprint or retina scan).

By implementing these multiple layers of verification, organizations reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access because even if one factor is compromised—like a password—an attacker would still need to bypass the additional security layers. This effectively mitigates risks associated with data breaches and identity theft, making it a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive information.

User convenience, network speed, and data storage capabilities, while important in their respective contexts, do not directly relate to the primary objective of multi-factor authentication, which is to enhance security.