Two-Step Verification vs Two-Factor Authentication: What's the Difference?
The high risk of a security breach makes protective measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and two-step verification (2SV), non-negotiable for businesses.
An all-in-one solution like Plivo’s Verify API enables you to use 2FA chinese singapore phone number list and 2SV to confirm a user’s identity, yet these options operate in distinct ways that can impact your customer experience.
In this guide, we will share in-depth information about two-step verification vs two-factor authentication: their processes, semantic differences, security advantages, and how to determine which option is right for your company.
What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Consumers often use two-factor authentication (2FA) in their day-to-day transactions, such as online banking, digital payments, accessing apps on their mobile devices, and others.
Two-factor authentication uses two separate factors from different categories to authenticate a user and complete the login process. These categories could be something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone or hardware token), or something you are (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
For instance, 2FA could require the user to know a password as well as a code from an authentication app, a fingerprint, or facial recognition. Typically, the user will type in their username and password on a device, and then the website sends a separate one-time code (OTP) via text, voice call, or mobile app to enter the login page. Or, the user inputs their password and then uses a fingerprint or facial recognition on a separate device, like a phone or tablet, for authentication.
