CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Exam: Multifactor Authentication Examples

Multifactor Authentication Examples

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.

B.

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires two or more forms of authentication before granting access to a resource, system or application. These forms of authentication can be classified into three categories: something you know (e.g., a password), something you have (e.g., a physical token), and something you are (e.g., a biometric feature).

Out of the given options, option B is an example of multifactor authentication. An SMS message sent to a phone is something you have, while an access PIN is something you know. By requiring both of these factors, this authentication method is more secure than relying on a single factor.

Option A is an example of a password policy that requires complexity but does not constitute multifactor authentication. Complexity requirements help ensure that a password is difficult to guess, but it only constitutes a single factor (something you know).

Option C is an example of a single-factor authentication with additional security measures. Encryption of cached password information provides an extra layer of protection for the password, but it is still a single factor. The challenge question is also a single factor, and it is not recommended as a security measure as the answers can often be easily found on social media.

Option D is an example of a password policy that requires periodic changes, but it does not constitute multifactor authentication. A password that expires after a certain period of time is a good security measure, but it is still only a single factor. The PIN is also something you know, so this is also a single factor authentication.

In summary, only option B is an example of multifactor authentication as it requires two separate factors before granting access.