What is the primary goal of using two-factor authentication (2FA)?

The primary goal of using two-factor authentication (2FA) is to provide an additional layer of security. This practice goes beyond merely relying on a single password to verify a user's identity. Instead, it requires two distinct forms of identification: something the user knows (like a password) and something the user possesses (such as a mobile device or a hardware token).

By requiring this second form of authentication, the system drastically reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access. Even if a password is compromised, an attacker would still need the second factor to gain access. This layered security approach enhances the overall safety of sensitive information and user accounts, making it significantly more challenging for potential attackers to succeed.

Other options, while they may seem relevant to security practices, do not accurately capture the primary objective of 2FA. Simply enhancing password length or increasing the number of passwords does not inherently improve security as effectively as implementing two different types of authentication. Similarly, while 2FA may streamline the login process in some cases, its primary focus remains on augmenting security rather than simplification.