The answer is two-factor authentication because the scenario requires exactly two distinct authentication factors from different categories: something you know (the password) and something you have (the one-time code from a mobile app). This combination of a knowledge factor and a possession factor is the defining characteristic of two-factor authentication, often abbreviated as 2FA. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of multifactor authentication (MFA) versus single-factor methods, and a common trap is confusing 2FA with simply using two passwords or two items from the same category. For a two factor authentication example like this, remember that the password is what you know, and the OTP from the app is what you have—they must come from different factor types. A helpful memory tip is to think “Know + Have = 2FA,” ensuring you always check that the two factors belong to separate categories.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network 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 wants to ensure that only authorized users can access the internal network by requiring both a password and a one-time code from a mobile app. This is an example of:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires exactly two distinct authentication factors from different categories: something you know (password) and something you have (one-time code from a mobile app). This matches the scenario precisely, as the password is a knowledge factor and the mobile app-generated code is a possession factor, satisfying the definition of 2FA.
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.
✓
Two-factor authentication
Why this is correct
Two distinct factors (knowledge and possession) are required, making this two-factor authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Single sign-on
Why it's wrong here
Single sign-on allows users to authenticate once and access multiple systems; it does not inherently involve multiple factors.
✗
Biometric authentication
Why it's wrong here
Biometric authentication uses physical characteristics (e.g., fingerprint, face) and is not based on a password and a code.
✗
Multifactor authentication with three factors
Why it's wrong here
Only two factors (password and one-time code) are used, not three.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between two-factor authentication and multifactor authentication, where candidates mistakenly think that using two different types of the same factor (e.g., two passwords) counts as 2FA, but the key is that the factors must come from different categories (knowledge, possession, inherence).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the one-time code is typically generated using Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) as defined in RFC 6238, which uses a shared secret and the current time to produce a 6-8 digit code. The mobile app (e.g., Google Authenticator) acts as a software token, and the server validates the code by computing the same TOTP value. In real-world scenarios, this prevents replay attacks because the code expires after 30 seconds, and it mitigates credential theft since an attacker needs both the password and the physical device.
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 N10-009 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Two-factor authentication — Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires exactly two distinct authentication factors from different categories: something you know (password) and something you have (one-time code from a mobile app). This matches the scenario precisely, as the password is a knowledge factor and the mobile app-generated code is a possession factor, satisfying the definition of 2FA.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.