In multi-factor authentication, what is the benefit of using multiple factors?

The benefit of using multiple factors in multi-factor authentication (MFA) primarily revolves around enhancing security and increasing confidence in the accuracy of user identification. By requiring users to present two or more different factors for authentication—such as something they know (like a password), something they have (like a security token), and something they are (like a biometric)—the system makes it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access.

This layered security approach greatly reduces the likelihood of successful attacks, such as phishing or credential stuffing, because even if one factor is compromised, the others still provide a secure barrier to access. Consequently, organizations can be more confident in their ability to accurately verify user identities, ultimately protecting sensitive data and systems more effectively.

In contrast, while the other options touch upon various aspects of the authentication process, they do not align with the primary objective of MFA, which is to strengthen security. Increased costs, simplification, and reduction of user inconvenience may be considerations, but they do not represent the key advantage provided by using multiple authentication factors.