Online security begins with the authentication process used to confirm that it’s you logging in and not someone who has stolen your identity. Authentication generally involves one or more basic factors:

• Something you know (e.g., your password or PIN)
• Something you have (e.g., your ATM or debit card)
• Something unique to you (e.g., your fingerprint or other biometric characteristic)

Single-factor authentication uses one of these methods. Multi-factor authentication uses more than one, and thus is considered a stronger fraud deterrent.

For example, when you use an ATM, you’re utilizing multi-factor authentication. Factor #1 is something you have, your ATM card. Factor #2 is something you know, your PIN.