Using an Authenticator app for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The word once referred to a specialized piece of hardware used only by IT professionals. Today, it describes an essential security tool for anyone with an online presence. Whether it’s a standalone app on your smartphone or a physical security key, an authenticator acts as a second layer of defense, ensuring that a stolen password isn't enough to compromise your accounts. What is an Authenticator?

An authenticator is a software or hardware tool that performs the cryptographic operations needed to verify a user's identity. In the context of , it serves as the "something you have" factor, complementing the "something you know" (your password).