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(ISC)2

SSCP · Question #191

The three classic ways of authenticating yourself to the computer security software are: something you know, something you have, and something:

The correct answer is C. you are. The three classic authentication factors are "something you know" (e.g., password), "something you have" (e.g., smart card), and "something you are" (e.g., biometric data).

Submitted by alyssa_d· Apr 18, 2026Access Controls

Question

The three classic ways of authenticating yourself to the computer security software are:

something you know, something you have, and something:

Options

  • Ayou need.
  • Byou read.
  • Cyou are.
  • Dyou do.

How the community answered

(40 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • B
    3% (1)
  • C
    90% (36)
  • D
    5% (2)

Why each option

The three classic authentication factors are "something you know" (e.g., password), "something you have" (e.g., smart card), and "something you are" (e.g., biometric data).

Ayou need.

"Something you need" is not a recognized authentication factor.

Byou read.

"Something you read" is not a recognized authentication factor.

Cyou are.Correct

The three primary factors for authentication are knowledge (something you know, like a password or PIN), possession (something you have, like a smart card or token), and inherence (something you are, such as a fingerprint, iris scan, or facial recognition). These form the basis of multi-factor authentication.

Dyou do.

"Something you do" (behavioral biometrics like gait or keystroke dynamics) is sometimes considered a fourth, more advanced factor, but "something you are" is the standard third classic factor encompassing physiological biometrics.

Concept tested: Multi-factor authentication factors

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-mfa-howitworks

Topics

#Authentication factors#Biometrics#Multi-factor authentication#Access control

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