The answer is multi-factor authentication (MFA), specifically using two distinct factors. This is correct because the smart card represents “something you have” (a physical possession factor), while the PIN represents “something you know” (a knowledge factor). Since two different types of authentication factors are required, it qualifies as MFA, not single-factor authentication, even though the user performs two steps. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the core MFA definition: authentication strength comes from combining categories, not just multiple items from the same category. A common trap is confusing “two steps” with “two factors”—for example, a password plus a security question is still just one factor (knowledge). To remember, think of the smart card and PIN as a classic “have and know” pair, which is the most common real-world MFA example. Memory tip: “Have and know make MFA go.”
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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 wants to implement a policy where employees must use a smart card and a PIN to access sensitive data. This is an example of:
Correct. This is MFA because it combines something you have (smart card) and something you know (PIN).
B
Single factor authentication
Why wrong: Single factor uses only one type, but this method uses two distinct factors.
C
Two-factor authentication
Why wrong: Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA, but MFA is the broader correct term. However, the option is phrased as 'Two-factor' alone, which may be considered correct but less precise. The intended correct answer is MFA.
D
Biometric authentication
Why wrong: Biometric uses biological traits; not used here.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multi-factor authentication (two factors)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more different types of authentication factors. Here, the smart card (something you have) and PIN (something you know) constitute two factors, making it MFA.
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.
✓
Multi-factor authentication (two factors)
Why this is correct
Correct. This is MFA because it combines something you have (smart card) and something you know (PIN).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Single factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Single factor uses only one type, but this method uses two distinct factors.
✗
Two-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA, but MFA is the broader correct term. However, the option is phrased as 'Two-factor' alone, which may be considered correct but less precise. The intended correct answer is MFA.
✗
Biometric authentication
Why it's wrong here
Biometric uses biological traits; not used here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA, but MFA is the broader correct term. However, the option is phrased as 'Two-factor' alone, which may be considered correct but less precise. The intended correct answer is MFA.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multi-factor authentication (two factors) — Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more different types of authentication factors. Here, the smart card (something you have) and PIN (something you know) constitute two factors, making it MFA.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 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.
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.