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Multi-factor authentication

nounverified·updated Aug 28, 2026

Authentication using two or more different factors to achieve authentication. Factors include something you know (e.g., PIN, password), something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token), or something you are (e.g., biometric). See authenticator .

MWENIST SP 800-171r3

Senses

ISACA Cybersecurity Glossary

A combination of more than one authentication method, such as token and password (or personal identification number [PIN] or token and biometric device).

FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, Baseline, May 2017

Authentication using two or more factors to achieve authentication. Factors include: • something you know (e.g. password/PIN); • something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); or • something you are (e.g., biometric).

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) IT Examination Handbook Infobase, Glossary

The process of using two or more factors to achieve authentication. Factors include something you know (e.g., password or personal identification number); something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device or token); and something you are (e.g., biometric).

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2

Authentication using two or more factors to achieve authentication. Factors include: (i) something you know (e.g. password/PIN); (ii) something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); or (iii) something you are (e.g., biometric). See Authenticator.

Classifications

Entity Type

Control0%rule-basedmulti_axis_classifier_low_confidence.v1
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Sensitivity

85%llm-generatedllm:claude-haiku-4-5
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Information Class

90%llm-generatedllm:claude-haiku-4-5
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Variants

synonym
multi-factor authentication
alternatephrasing
multifactor authentication
plural
Multi-factor authenticationsmultifactor authentications
possessive
Multi-factor authentication'smultifactor authentication's
pluralpossessive
Multi-factor authentications'multifactor authentications'