Which of the following is true regarding multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that enhances protection by requiring two or more verification methods from independent categories of credentials to gain access to a resource, such as an application, account, or database. This approach makes it significantly more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access because even if one factor, like a password, is compromised, the additional layers of security (such as a text message verification code, biometric scan, or hardware token) still provide protection.

The importance of MFA transcends specific environments and types of applications. It is relevant across all areas where security is paramount, including internal networks and payment processing applications, as it defends against various threat vectors that target user accounts. Thus, its utility is not limited to any particular domain or application type, reinforcing the need for comprehensive protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.