ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
Which of the following is an example of Type 2 authentication?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing a PIN with a smart card — candidates see 'PIN' and think it is part of the smart card, but a PIN alone is Type 1 (knowledge), while the smart card itself is Type 2 (possession).
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
Type 2 authentication, also called 'something you have,' relies on a physical object the user possesses — a smart card is the classic example. Type 1 is 'something you know' (password, PIN), Type 2 is 'something you have' (smart card, token, phone), and Type 3 is 'something you are' (biometrics). The smart card fits Type 2 precisely.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Fingerprint scan
Why it's wrong here
Fingerprint is Type 3 (inherence).
- ✗
Password
Why it's wrong here
Password is Type 1 (knowledge).
- ✗
PIN
Why it's wrong here
PIN is Type 1 (knowledge).
- ✓
Smart card
Why this is correct
Correct. Smart card is a possession factor.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Physical Access Controls
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is a biometric security method that identifies or verifies a person by analyzing and comparing patterns of their facial features.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.