Which of the following is a key characteristic of Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is centered around the principle of enhancing security by requiring two or more different factors for user verification. This approach typically combines something a user knows (like a password), something a user has (like a smartphone or hardware token), and something a user is (such as biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition). The purpose of using multiple authentication factors is to make it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they have compromised one of the factors (e.g., knowing a password).

In this context, the characteristic of employing various types of factors is essential because it increases the overall security posture of an organization or individual account. For instance, if a password is stolen, the additional requirement of a second factor—such as a code sent to a mobile device—would still protect the account from unauthorized access.

The other options do not align with the principles of MFA: a single-step verification process does not provide the layered security that MFA requires, and relying solely on a password lacks the multifaceted approach of using different authentication types. Moreover, limiting authentication to hardware-based security overlooks the broader range of factors, including knowledge-based and biometric factors, that can be utilized in MFA systems.