MFA

intermediate
security
Enhanced Content

Definition

Multi-Factor Authentication - security method requiring two or more verification methods. Like needing both a key and fingerprint to open a safe.

Real-World Example

Online banking uses MFA by requiring both your password and a text message code to log in.

Related Terms

Cloud Provider Equivalencies

All major clouds support MFA for human sign-in to the provider console and identity system. AWS uses IAM (and IAM Identity Center for SSO), Azure uses Microsoft Entra ID, Google uses Google Identity/Cloud Identity with Cloud IAM, and OCI uses OCI IAM. The core concept is the same: require an additional factor beyond a password, typically via an authenticator app, hardware key, or SMS (less recommended).

AWS
AWS IAM MFA (with AWS IAM Identity Center for workforce SSO)
AZ
Microsoft Entra ID Multi-Factor Authentication (formerly Azure AD MFA)
GCP
Google Cloud IAM + Google Identity/Cloud Identity 2-Step Verification
OCI
OCI IAM MFA

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