What is the main purpose of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

The main purpose of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is to enhance account security by requiring multiple forms of verification. This approach significantly increases the difficulty for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive accounts or data. MFA typically combines two or more distinct factors from the following categories: something you know (like a password), something you have (like a mobile device or hardware token), and something you are (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). By utilizing multiple verification methods, even if one factor (such as a password) is compromised, the attacker would still need to provide the additional factors to successfully log in, thereby improving overall security.

While simplifying user login processes or reducing the number of passwords might seem beneficial, these are not primary goals of MFA. In fact, MFA can sometimes complicate the login process since it requires users to provide multiple proofs of identity. Additionally, encrypting data transmissions deals primarily with protecting data integrity and confidentiality during transfer rather than verifying user identity, which is the core focus of MFA.