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# How it works: Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication
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Multi-factor authentication is a process where a user is prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as to enter a code on their cellphone or to provide a fingerprint scan.
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Multi-factor authentication is a process in which users are prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as a code on their cellphone or a fingerprint scan.
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If you only use a password to authenticate a user, it leaves an insecure vector for attack. If the password is weak or has been exposed elsewhere, is it really the user signing in with the username and password, or is it an attacker? When you require a second form of authentication, security is increased as this additional factor isn't something that's easy for an attacker to obtain or duplicate.
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If you only use a password to authenticate a user, it leaves an insecure vector for attack. If the password is weak or has been exposed elsewhere, an attacker could be using it to gain access. When you require a second form of authentication, security is increased because this additional factor isn't something that's easy for an attacker to obtain or duplicate.
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Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication works by requiring two or more of the following authentication methods:
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* Something you know, typically a password.
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* Something you have, such as a trusted device that is not easily duplicated, like a phone or hardware key.
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* Something you have, such as a trusted device that's not easily duplicated, like a phone or hardware key.
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* Something you are - biometrics like a fingerprint or face scan.
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Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication can also further secure password reset. When users register themselves for Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication, they can also register for self-service password reset in one step. Administrators can choose forms of secondary authentication and configure challenges for MFA based on configuration decisions.
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Apps and services don't need changes to use Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication. The verification prompts are part of the Azure AD sign-in event, which automatically requests and processes the MFA challenge when required.
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You don't need to change apps and services to use Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication. The verification prompts are part of the Azure AD sign-in, which automatically requests and processes the MFA challenge when needed.
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When a user signs in to an application or service and receives an MFA prompt, they can choose from one of their registered forms of additional verification. Users can access [My Profile](https://myprofile.microsoft.com) to edit or add verification methods.
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When users sign in to an application or service and receive an MFA prompt, they can choose from one of their registered forms of additional verification. Users can access [My Profile](https://myprofile.microsoft.com) to edit or add verification methods.
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The following additional forms of verification can be used with Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication:
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* Microsoft Authenticator app
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* OATH Hardware token (preview)
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* OATH Software token
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* Windows Hello for Business
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* FIDO2 security key
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* OATH hardware token (preview)
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* OATH software token
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* SMS
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* Voice call
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## How to enable and use Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication
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All Azure AD tenants can use [security defaults](../fundamentals/concept-fundamentals-security-defaults.md) to quickly enable Microsoft Authenticator for all users. Users and groups can be enabled for Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication to prompt for additional verification during the sign-in event.
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You can use [security defaults](../fundamentals/concept-fundamentals-security-defaults.md)in Azure AD tenants to quickly enable Microsoft Authenticator for all users. You can enable Azure AD Multi-Factor Authentication to prompt users and groups for additional verification during sign-in.
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For more granular controls, [Conditional Access](../conditional-access/overview.md) policies can be used to define events or applications that require MFA. These policies can allow regular sign-in events when the user is on the corporate network or a registered device, but prompt for additional verification factors when remote or on a personal device.
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For more granular controls, you can use [Conditional Access](../conditional-access/overview.md) policies to define events or applications that require MFA. These policies can allow regular sign-in when the user is on the corporate network or a registered device but prompt for additional verification factors when the user is remote or on a personal device.
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