Third Factor for Multifactor Authentication: Fingerprints
Question
An organization wants to implement a third factor to an existing multifactor authentication.
The organization already uses a smart card and password.
Which of the following would meet the organization's needs for a third factor?
A.
Date of birth B.
Fingerprints C.
PIN D.
TPM.
B.
Explanations
An organization wants to implement a third factor to an existing multifactor authentication.
The organization already uses a smart card and password.
Which of the following would meet the organization's needs for a third factor?
A.
Date of birth
B.
Fingerprints
C.
PIN
D.
TPM.
B.
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 goal of MFA is to make it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information or systems. Commonly used factors for MFA include something the user knows (such as a password), something the user has (such as a smart card or token), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or other biometric).
In the given scenario, the organization already has two factors in place for their MFA: a smart card and a password. They are looking to add a third factor to further enhance their security posture. Let's evaluate the options provided:
A. Date of birth - This is not a good choice for a third factor as it is something that can be easily obtained or guessed by attackers, especially with the prevalence of social media and online data breaches. Additionally, it is a static factor that does not change over time, making it less secure than other options.
B. Fingerprints - This is a good choice for a third factor as it is a unique biometric factor that is difficult to replicate or spoof. Fingerprints are also dynamic, meaning they can change over time due to factors such as injuries or aging, making them more secure than static factors.
C. PIN - This is a decent choice for a third factor, as it is something the user knows, but it is not as secure as a biometric factor like fingerprints. PINs can be easily guessed or obtained through social engineering attacks, so they should not be relied upon as the sole factor for authentication.
D. TPM - TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, which is a specialized chip that provides hardware-based security features such as encryption and key management. While TPMs are useful for securing data and systems, they are not typically used as a factor in MFA.
Based on this analysis, the best option for a third factor in this scenario would be B. Fingerprints, as it is a unique and dynamic biometric factor that is difficult to replicate or spoof. This would provide an additional layer of security to the organization's MFA implementation.
