How does two-factor authentication enhance security?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly enhances security by requiring multiple types of verification before granting access to an account or system. This approach combines two different factors from the following categories: something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a smartphone app, text message code, or hardware token).

The necessity of both factors means that even if one element (typically the password) is compromised, an unauthorized user would still need the second factor to gain access, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access. This layered security model makes it much more difficult for malicious actors to breach accounts compared to a single form of verification.

By contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the security enhancement that 2FA provides. Simplifying user access might make systems easier to use, but it generally does not improve security. Allowing users to easily share login details undermines security by increasing the risk of exposure. The assertion that 2FA makes passwords obsolete is misleading since passwords remain an essential part of the authentication process; they are simply augmented by an additional layer of security.