What does multi-factor authentication add to security processes?

Multi-factor authentication enhances security by incorporating multiple forms of verification before granting access to a system or data. This approach significantly increases the difficulty for unauthorized users to gain access, as they need to provide more than one credential type.

Typically, multi-factor authentication combines something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or security token), and something the user is (such as biometric verification). This layered defense means that even if one factor is compromised, additional factors still protect the account or system.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the function of multi-factor authentication; for instance, the option suggesting that it allows users to bypass security checks undermines the concept of multi-factor authentication, which is designed specifically to prevent such bypasses. Claiming that it is only necessary for sensitive information limits its application, as it can benefit any system. Lastly, stating that it eliminates the need for passwords misrepresents multi-factor authentication, as it may still involve a password as one of its verification factors.