This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security architecture and engineering. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A small business wants to implement multifactor authentication (MFA) for remote access to its internal network. The solution must be cost-effective and easy to deploy. Which combination is most appropriate?
Fingerprint scanner and password
Why wrong: Biometrics may be cost-prohibitive for a small business.
Password and one-time passcode sent via SMS
SMS OTP is inexpensive and easy to deploy.
Smart card and PIN
Why wrong: Smart cards require readers and are more expensive.
Password and security questions
Why wrong: Security questions are not a true second factor.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Password and one-time passcode sent via SMS
Option B is correct because it combines a password (something you know) with a one-time passcode sent via SMS (something you have), satisfying the definition of multifactor authentication. SMS-based OTP is cost-effective and easy to deploy for a small business, as it requires no additional hardware or complex infrastructure, leveraging existing mobile networks.
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.
Fingerprint scanner and password
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics may be cost-prohibitive for a small business.
Password and one-time passcode sent via SMS
Why this is correct
SMS OTP is inexpensive and easy to deploy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Smart card and PIN
Why it's wrong here
Smart cards require readers and are more expensive.
Password and security questions
Why it's wrong here
Security questions are not a true second factor.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may incorrectly assume that any two different authentication methods automatically constitute MFA, forgetting that MFA requires factors from at least two distinct categories (knowledge, possession, inherence), and that cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment are key constraints in this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
SMS-based OTP relies on the GSM or SS7 network to deliver a time-based or event-based one-time password, typically using the Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) algorithm (RFC 6238) or HMAC-based One-Time Password (HOTP) algorithm (RFC 4226) on the server side, with the SMS channel acting as the delivery mechanism. However, SMS is not considered a secure channel due to risks like SIM swapping and SS7 interception, so while it meets MFA requirements, it is less secure than app-based TOTP or hardware tokens. In a real-world scenario, a small business might choose SMS for its low barrier to entry, but should plan to migrate to a more secure method as the organization grows.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Architecture and Engineering — This question tests Security Architecture and Engineering — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Password and one-time passcode sent via SMS — Option B is correct because it combines a password (something you know) with a one-time passcode sent via SMS (something you have), satisfying the definition of multifactor authentication. SMS-based OTP is cost-effective and easy to deploy for a small business, as it requires no additional hardware or complex infrastructure, leveraging existing mobile networks.
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 11, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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