Multifactor Authentication: Examining Examples, FCO-U61 CompTIA IT Fundamentals

Multifactor Authentication

Question

Which of the following is an example of multifactor authentication?

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

D.

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more forms of authentication in order to access a system or application. The purpose of MFA is to enhance security by requiring additional forms of proof that the user is who they claim to be.

Let's analyze each option to determine if it's an example of multifactor authentication:

A. Password and passphrase This option only includes two forms of authentication that belong to the same category, something the user knows. Although using a passphrase and a password can be more secure than using only one of them, this option is not an example of MFA.

B. Fingerprint and retina scan This option includes two different forms of authentication: something the user is (biometric data) and something the user has (access to their body). This is an example of MFA.

C. Hardware token and smartphone This option includes two different forms of authentication: something the user has (the hardware token) and something the user has (the smartphone). This is also an example of MFA.

D. Smart card and PIN This option includes two different forms of authentication: something the user has (the smart card) and something the user knows (the PIN). This is also an example of MFA.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Hardware token and smartphone, as well as options B and D, are examples of MFA.