When you're accessing an important account, a verification code serves as your second line of defense. This temporary code gets sent to a separate device you own—typically your phone—to confirm that you're really the person trying to log in. It's a smart way to protect your identity, since a hacker might have your password but wouldn't have access to your phone.

This verification code system powers Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), one of the most effective security methods available today. Instead of relying on a single password, 2FA requires two different verification methods: something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone that receives the code). The verification code is that critical second factor, making it dramatically harder for unauthorized users to compromise your account even if your login credentials are exposed. By requiring this additional validation step, you significantly strengthen your account's security posture against common cyber threats.