Which of the following is a characteristic of multifactor authentication?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is designed to enhance security by requiring users to present multiple forms of verification before granting access. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, as it combines different categories of identification methods. Typically, these methods fall into three main categories: something you know (like a password), something you have (such as a security token), and something you are (biometric verification like fingerprints or facial recognition).

The requirement for two or more distinct methods is what fundamentally distinguishes multifactor authentication from single-factor authentication, which relies on a single verification method—usually just a password. As a result, the option that describes MFA as using two or more different methods for verifying identity correctly outlines its primary characteristic and purpose in bolstering security.