An authentication method uses smart cards as well as usernames and passwords for authentication. Which of the following authentication methods is being referred to?

Question

Options

• AMutual
• BAnonymous
• CMulti-factor
• DBiometrics

• B
  4% (1)
• C
  89% (25)
• D
  7% (2)

Explanation

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more distinct authentication factors: something you know (username/password), something you have (smart card), and/or something you are (biometrics). Using both a smart card and a username/password satisfies at least two of these categories, making option C correct.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Mutual - Mutual authentication means both parties (client and server) verify each other's identity, which isn't what's described here.
• B. Anonymous - Anonymous authentication requires no credentials at all (e.g., guest access), the opposite of this scenario.
• D. Biometrics - Biometrics uses physical characteristics (fingerprint, retina scan) as a factor; neither smart cards nor passwords are biometric.

Memory tip: Think of MFA as needing items from at least two different "buckets" - Know/Have/Are. Smart card = have, password = know. Two buckets = multi-factor.

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