What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) used for in IAM?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) enhances security by requiring users to present two or more separate forms of verification when attempting to access resources. This typically involves something the user knows (like a password) combined with something the user has (like a code from a hardware or software token). This additional layer of authentication helps protect accounts from unauthorized access, particularly in scenarios where a password may be compromised.

The focus of MFA is to drastically reduce the risk of unapproved access by ensuring that even if a password is stolen or guessed, the attacker would still need the second factor to gain access. Thus, MFA serves as a fundamental security best practice in IAM to strengthen user authentication processes and safeguard sensitive resources in the AWS environment.