- A
A password and a hardware TOTP token
Combines something you know (password) with something you have (token).
- B
Two different passwords
Why wrong: Passwords are both something you know; not MFA.
- C
A password and a security question
Why wrong: Security questions are considered something you know, not a second factor.
- D
A username and password
Why wrong: Username is not a factor; password alone is single factor.
- E
A fingerprint and a smart card
Biometric (fingerprint) and hardware (smart card) are two different factors.
Question 439 of 997
CV0-004 Security Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for cloud console access. Which TWO of the following are valid MFA methods? (Select TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A password and a hardware TOTP token
A hardware TOTP token generates a time-based one-time password (RFC 6238) that changes every 30 or 60 seconds, providing a second factor independent of the user's password. Combining this with a password satisfies the MFA requirement of using two different authentication factors (something you know and something you have).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A password and a hardware TOTP token
Why this is correct
Combines something you know (password) with something you have (token).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Two different passwords
Why it's wrong here
Passwords are both something you know; not MFA.
- ✗
A password and a security question
Why it's wrong here
Security questions are considered something you know, not a second factor.
- ✗
A username and password
Why it's wrong here
Username is not a factor; password alone is single factor.
- ✓
A fingerprint and a smart card
Why this is correct
Biometric (fingerprint) and hardware (smart card) are two different factors.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between multi-step authentication (e.g., password then security question) and true multi-factor authentication, where candidates mistakenly believe any two sequential credentials count as MFA.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MFA requires factors from at least two different categories: knowledge (e.g., password), possession (e.g., TOTP token, smart card), or inherence (e.g., fingerprint). A hardware TOTP token uses a shared secret and the current time to generate a 6-8 digit code, which is validated by the server using the same algorithm. Smart cards store a private key and require physical insertion or NFC contact, often combined with a PIN or biometric for two-factor authentication.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CV0-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CV0-004 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A password and a hardware TOTP token — A hardware TOTP token generates a time-based one-time password (RFC 6238) that changes every 30 or 60 seconds, providing a second factor independent of the user's password. Combining this with a password satisfies the MFA requirement of using two different authentication factors (something you know and something you have).
What should I do if I get this CV0-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CV0-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CV0-004 exam.
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