If you utilize an online bank or another secure account, you may have encountered something called “Two-Factor Authentication.”
It functions much like this:
Device: “Here’s the user’s password. They saved it in their browser, so I’m not really sure it’s them”
Website: “This password matches the one on file. Can you have the user enter the code I just texted/emailed them to confirm it’s really them?”
“Two-Factor Authentication” has become very popular in our security-driven society. It typically involves a text message, phone call, or email to an external account so the tech-user must verify their identity. If a user is logging into a secure bank site, it may ask them personal questions (like their SS # or security questions that were answered when the account was initially set up).
Because Two-Factor authentication requires two factors – one frequently being a cell phone (or an account saved on that phone) – it may not protect you if your phone is stolen and left unlocked. Always have some sort of passcode on the start screen of your smartphone, otherwise, otherwise they’ll have access to everything you have access to.