ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
An organization wants to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access by requiring a password and a smart card. Which two authentication factors are used in this MFA implementation? (Choose 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
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Password
Multi-factor authentication requires at least two different types of factors. A password is Type 1 (knowledge) and a smart card is Type 2 (possession), so combining them qualifies as MFA.
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
Why this is correct
Password is a knowledge factor (Type 1). Combining it with a possession factor like a smart card meets the definition of MFA.
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Smart card
Why this is correct
Smart card is a possession factor (Type 2). Combining it with a knowledge factor like a password meets MFA requirements.
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Retina scan
Why it's wrong here
Retina scan is an inherence factor (Type 3). While it is a valid factor, the question asks for two factors that together meet MFA. The correct pair must include two different types. Retina scan paired with another inherence factor would not be MFA.
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Fingerprint scan
Why it's wrong here
Fingerprint scan is an inherence factor (Type 3). Similar to retina scan, pairing it with another inherence factor does not constitute MFA.
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OTP token
Why it's wrong here
OTP token is a possession factor (Type 2), same as smart card. Combining two possession factors does not meet MFA as it lacks a different factor type.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Wireless and Remote Access Security
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
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove your identity before accessing 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.