What type of authentication requires two different verification methods, such as a password and a token?

Two-factor authentication involves the use of two distinct and separate verification methods to enhance security. Typically, this form of authentication combines something the user knows (like a password) with something the user has (such as a security token, smartphone app, or hardware device). This dual-layer approach significantly increases the security of user accounts, making it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they manage to obtain the password.

The concept behind two-factor authentication is that the two different forms of verification serve as a safeguard against the weaknesses of each individual method. If an attacker knows the password, they would still need the additional token to gain access, which is often much harder to compromise.

In contrast, single factor authentication relies on just one method, typically a password. Multifactor authentication can involve two or more forms of verification but isn't limited to just two. Triple factor authentication, as the name suggests, involves three different verification methods but is less commonly discussed and applied in standard practices compared to the more prevalent two-factor authentication.