Glossary · Security and compliance
Two-factor authentication
Also called 2FA, multi-factor authentication, MFA, two-step verification
Definition
Two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication asks users for a second proof of identity, such as a code from an app or a text message, on top of their password. Most data rooms let administrators require it for everyone in a room, which protects against stolen or reused passwords.
Where two-factor authentication comes up
On this site, in our guides and in the conversations we've written up.
Guide Datasite VDR review: heavyweight AI and security, with a learning curve The one piece of friction our reviewer flagged is the flip side of that strength, namely frequent two-factor authentication and re-login prompts when you step away for a while. Guide Admincontrol VDR review: a data room you can start straight away As you would expect for a tool used in sensitive transactions, Admincontrol has a strong reputation for security: granular permissions down to folder and document level, multi-factor authentication, encrypted document storage and a full… Guide Drooms VDR review: European data sovereignty, with a few caveats It offers two-factor authentication, granular access permissions and document watermarking, plus built-in redaction tools. Guide Ansarada VDR review: the whole deal in one place, if you need it all Ansarada has ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 attestation, alongside multi-factor authentication, dynamic watermarking and detailed access controls. 
Video · VirtualData-Room.com Admincontrol review: a data room you can start straight away Granular permissions, multi-factor authentication, encryption and GDPR credentials
AI search, structured Q&A, engagement insights and deal management tools
Power users and global deals may want more advanced customisation
Do you remember… 
Video · VirtualData-Room.com Datasite review: maximum functionality, at a price The only negative users really find is that there are constant requests for two-factor authentication and for logging in as well, once you go out and leave it for a little bit. 
Video · VirtualData-Room.com Drooms review: European data sovereignty, with a few caveats European data centres, two-factor authentication, watermarking, redaction and GDPR
Modern and clean, though less intuitive for first-time and occasional users
AI assistant, summaries, translation, structured Q&A, secure chat and audit…
Video · VirtualData-Room.com Admincontrol review: a data room you can start straight away Granular permissions, multi-factor authentication, encryption and GDPR credentials
AI search, structured Q&A, engagement insights and deal management tools
Power users and global deals may want more advanced customisation
Do you remember… Video · VirtualData-Room.com Datasite review: maximum functionality, at a price The only negative users really find is that there are constant requests for two-factor authentication and for logging in as well, once you go out and leave it for a little bit. Video · VirtualData-Room.com Drooms review: European data sovereignty, with a few caveats European data centres, two-factor authentication, watermarking, redaction and GDPR
Modern and clean, though less intuitive for first-time and occasional users
AI assistant, summaries, translation, structured Q&A, secure chat and audit… Related terms
Single sign-on Logging in with a company account, such as Microsoft or Okta, instead of a separate password. Granular permissions Settings that control, per user or group and per folder, who can view, download or print each document. Data residency Where a provider physically stores your data, which can matter for regulation and client requirements. GDPR The EU's data protection law, which governs how personal data, including data in a data room, is handled. ISO 27001 The international standard for information security management, certified by independent auditors. SOC 2 An independent audit report on a service provider's security controls, common in the US.