What is a main feature of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an essential security measure that enhances the protection of user accounts through the requirement of multiple forms of verification before access is granted. A main feature of MFA is its ability to prevent unauthorized access by requiring users to provide two or more authentication factors. This typically involves something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone app that generates a code or a hardware token), or something the user is (such as a fingerprint or other biometric data).

By mandating these varied types of verification, MFA significantly reduces the risk of credential misuse. Even if an attacker manages to obtain a user's password, they would still face barriers to accessing the account without the additional required verification factors. This layered approach increases security dramatically compared to relying solely on a password, which can be weak or compromised.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of security. Improving password strength is essential for securing accounts but does not encompass the broader multi-layered approach of MFA. Automatically logging users out after periods of inactivity provides a safeguard against unauthorized access but is not an authentication method itself. Encrypting user data is critical for protecting sensitive information, yet it does not directly relate to the process of authenticating users as MFA does.