In plain English
It checks that a person is really who they claim to be by asking for more than one kind of proof. Those proofs must come from different categories, not all the same type. Requiring two or more such factors is what defines this method.
In context
Here, MFA denotes a sign-in protection option that verifies identity by requiring multiple factors from different categories.
- Situation
- Setting passwords, multifactor authentication, recovery codes, and trusted devices
- What it communicates
- labels a sign-in protection option in security settings
Meaning limits
The term itself does not specify which categories are used or how the required factors are obtained.
Examples
“During sign-in, MFA required two different kinds of proof rather than two of the same kind.”
“MFA remained enabled on the shared account after the password was changed.”