Authenticator App vs Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

An authenticator app is a smartphone application that generates time-sensitive six-digit codes used as the second verification step when logging into crypto accounts and exchanges.

Security method requiring two different forms of verification to access an account—typically something you know (password) and something you have (phone, authenticator app, or hardware key)—providing critical protection against unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised. Also known as: 2FA.