A user enters an identification number and password to access a computer network. Which of the following types of authentication is this an example of?

The correct answer is A. Single-factor. Authentication factors fall into three distinct categories: something you know (knowledge), something you have (possession), and something you are (biometrics). An identification number and a password are both 'something you know' - they are both knowledge-based credentials…

Networking

Question

Options

ASingle-factor
BMultifactor
CBiometric
DToken

How the community answered

(29 responses)

A
93% (27)
B
3% (1)
C
3% (1)

Explanation

Authentication factors fall into three distinct categories: something you know (knowledge), something you have (possession), and something you are (biometrics). An identification number and a password are both 'something you know' - they are both knowledge-based credentials belonging to the same factor category. Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires at least two different factor types, such as a password combined with a hardware token or a fingerprint. Using two knowledge-based credentials, even if both are required, still counts as single-factor authentication. Biometric authentication uses physical characteristics such as fingerprints or retinal scans. A token refers to a physical possession-based device. Neither applies to the described scenario.

Topics

#single-factor authentication#password#access control#authentication types

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