ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
A company is deploying a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution. Which combination represents two different authentication factors?
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
✓
Smart card and PIN
MFA requires two or more different types: something you know (password), something you have (OTP token), and something you are (fingerprint).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Password and security question
Why it's wrong here
Both are Type 1 (knowledge) factors, so not MFA.
- ✗
OTP token and mobile authenticator app
Why it's wrong here
Both are Type 2 (possession) factors, so not MFA.
- ✓
Smart card and PIN
Why this is correct
Smart card is Type 2 (possession) and PIN is Type 1 (knowledge), providing two different factors.
- ✗
Fingerprint and retina scan
Why it's wrong here
Both are Type 3 (inherence) factors, so not MFA.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
Key term
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying that someone or something is who or what it claims to be before granting access to a system or resource.
Key term
MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires a user to verify their identity using two or more different types of evidence, such as a password plus a code from a phone, before they can access an account or system.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.