Quick Answer
The answer is multifactor authentication, because the policy requires two distinct factors from different categories: something you have (the ID card) and something you know (the PIN). This combination of a physical token and a memorized secret is the defining characteristic of MFA, as it ensures that compromising one factor alone is insufficient for access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish MFA from single-factor authentication or two-step verification—a common trap is confusing multiple steps with multiple factors. Remember, swiping a card and then entering a PIN is still two factors, even if performed sequentially. A helpful memory tip: think of an ATM—your bank card (something you have) plus your PIN (something you know) is the classic real-world example of multifactor authentication in action.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization implements a policy where users must swipe their ID card and enter a PIN to access a secure room. This is an example of which access control principle?
Biometric authentication
Why wrong: Biometric uses physical traits; not present here.
Single-factor authentication
Why wrong: Only one factor would be used, but here two are used.
Multifactor authentication
Two factors: card (possession) and PIN (knowledge).
Role-based access control
Why wrong: RBAC is an authorization model, not authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Multifactor authentication
Option C is correct because the policy requires two distinct factors: something you have (the ID card) and something you know (the PIN). This combination of multiple authentication factors from different categories is the defining characteristic of multifactor authentication (MFA).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Biometric authentication
Why it's wrong here
Biometric uses physical traits; not present here.
Single-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Only one factor would be used, but here two are used.
Multifactor authentication
Why this is correct
Two factors: card (possession) and PIN (knowledge).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Role-based access control
Why it's wrong here
RBAC is an authorization model, not authentication.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between authentication factors and authorization models, so the trap here is confusing multifactor authentication (which is about verifying identity) with role-based access control (which is about granting permissions after identity is verified).
Detailed technical explanation
Multifactor authentication (MFA) requires at least two factors from three categories: knowledge (something you know), possession (something you have), and inherence (something you are). The ID card is a possession factor, and the PIN is a knowledge factor. In real-world deployments, MFA significantly reduces the risk of credential theft because an attacker would need both the physical card and the PIN to gain access.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Multifactor authentication — Option C is correct because the policy requires two distinct factors: something you have (the ID card) and something you know (the PIN). This combination of multiple authentication factors from different categories is the defining characteristic of multifactor authentication (MFA).
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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