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SY0-501 · Question #541

Which of the following would be considered multifactor authentication?

The correct answer is C. Strong password and fingerprint. Multifactor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring a user to provide two or more different types of authentication factors from distinct categories to verify their identity.

Submitted by lars.no· Mar 4, 2026General security concepts

Question

Which of the following would be considered multifactor authentication?

Options

  • AHardware token and smart card
  • BVoice recognition and retina scan
  • CStrong password and fingerprint
  • DPIN and security questions

How the community answered

(32 responses)
  • A
    9% (3)
  • B
    3% (1)
  • C
    81% (26)
  • D
    6% (2)

Why each option

Multifactor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring a user to provide two or more different types of authentication factors from distinct categories to verify their identity.

AHardware token and smart card

Both a hardware token and a smart card fall under the 'something you have' category, which are two factors of the same type, not multifactor authentication.

BVoice recognition and retina scan

Both voice recognition and a retina scan are biometric methods, falling under the 'something you are' category, which are two factors of the same type.

CStrong password and fingerprintCorrect

A strong password represents 'something you know,' which is a knowledge factor. A fingerprint represents 'something you are,' a biometric factor, combining two distinct types of authentication for multifactor authentication.

DPIN and security questions

Both a PIN and security questions are considered 'something you know' factors, representing two factors from the same category.

Concept tested: Multifactor authentication factors

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

Topics

#multifactor authentication#authentication factors#biometrics#something you know

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