Are MFA and 2FA the same thing?

No, MFA and 2FA aren’t quite the same. 2FA is a type of MFA that requires exactly two verification methods. MFA can involve two or more steps, offering extra security. These steps may include a security key, biometric scans, or a one-time code sent to your device.

Yes, MFA can be hacked, but it’s much more complicated than breaking a password alone. Attackers may use techniques like phishing, SIM swapping, or exploiting software vulnerabilities. However, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring multiple forms of verification, making hacking attempts far less successful.

What’s the best MFA method to use?

The best MFA method combines strong security with user convenience. Biometric factors (like fingerprint or facial recognition) paired with authenticator apps (which generate time-based codes) offer high security and ease of use. While SMS codes still provide valuable added security above and beyond just a password, they’re more vulnerable to interception and SIM-swapping attacks.

What’s the difference between MFA and single sign-on?

Multi-factor authentication adds extra steps to verify your identity, while single sign-on (SSO) lets you access multiple apps with one set of login credentials. MFA focuses on stronger security during login, whereas SSO improves convenience by reducing how often you need to sign in.

What is multi-factor authentication?

Please select your country/region

Argentina

Brasil

Canada (English)

Canada (Français)

Caribbean (English)

Caribe (Español)

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Hispanoamérica

México

Panamá

Perú

Puerto Rico (English)

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

België (Nederlands)

Belgique (Français)

Česko

Danmark

Deutschland

España

Estonia (English)

France

Iceland (English)

Ireland (English)

Israel (English)

Italia

Latvia (English)

Lithuania (English)

Luxembourg (Français)

Magyarország

Nederland

Norge

Österreich

Polska

Portugal

România

Schweiz (Deutsch)

Suisse (Français)

Svizzera (Italiano)

South Africa

Suomi

Sverige

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates (English)

United Kingdom

Ελλάδα

Россия

Australia

Cambodia (English)

Hong Kong (English)

香港

India (English)

Indonesia (English)

Malaysia (English)

New Zealand

Philippines (English)

Singapore (English)

Thailand (English)

Vietnam (English)

대한민국

中国

台灣

日本

Products

Services & Support

About

Norton is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2025 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Partner with us Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility Services status Your privacy choices

Contents

Want more?

Contents

Related articles

Want more?