Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security process that adds an extra layer of protection to the standard method of online identification. In a 2FA system, a user is required to pass through two distinct authentication stages to access an account. The first factor is something the user knows, like a password or PIN. The second factor is something the user possesses, such as a smartphone with a mobile authentication app, or a physical token like a security key. This dual-layer approach significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access, as even if a password is compromised, the second factor is still needed to gain entry. By combining something you know with something you have, 2FA makes it much harder for potential intruders to breach your account.