What is the purpose of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is designed to significantly enhance security by requiring users to provide two or more verification methods to gain access to an account. This is crucial in today's digital environment where threats like phishing, credential theft, and hacking are prevalent.

The core principle behind MFA is that it combines something the user knows (like a password) with something the user has (such as a smartphone for receiving a one-time code) or something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA reduces the likelihood that a potential intruder can gain unauthorized access to an account. Even if a password is compromised, the additional layers of security create a formidable barrier against unauthorized access.

MFA does not primarily focus on simplifying user login procedures or reducing the number of passwords that users need to remember, which are not its main functions. Additionally, it is contradictory to its purpose to allow remote access without verification. The key strength of MFA lies in its ability to provide a more robust security posture through multiple authentication factors, thereby increasing the overall resiliency of user accounts against unauthorized access.