What does the term 'two-factor authentication' imply?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) refers to a security process in which the user provides two distinct forms of identification before gaining access to an account or system. This typically involves something the user knows, such as a password, combined with something the user possesses, such as a mobile device that receives a verification code or a physical token.

The choice that indicates requiring two distinct forms of identification aligns perfectly with the definition of two-factor authentication, as it enhances security by ensuring that even if one form of identification is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented without the second factor.

Options that suggest using cookies and cache, relying solely on single pieces of user data, or utilizing only biometric data do not encompass the essence of two-factor authentication. These alternatives either lack the requirement for multiple factors or fail to provide the additional layer of security that two-factor authentication is designed to achieve.