Quick Answer
The answer is a security question answer and a PIN. Both are correct because they rely exclusively on information stored in the user’s memory, which is the defining characteristic of knowledge-based authentication factors. A PIN, for example, requires no physical token or biometric trait—only the recall of a secret numeric sequence—while a security question answer depends on remembering a pre-registered fact. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your grasp of the IAM domain’s core distinction between “something you know,” “something you have,” and “something you are.” A common trap is confusing a PIN with a possession factor, such as a smart card that stores the PIN; remember that the factor is defined by what the user provides, not how it is stored. Memory tip: “Know your PIN—it’s in your head, not in your hand.”
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO are examples of 'something you know' authentication factors?
PIN
A secret known only to the user.
Security question answer
Knowledge-based.
Retina scan
Why wrong: Biometric factor.
Fingerprint
Why wrong: Biometric factor.
Smart card
Why wrong: Possession 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
PIN
A PIN is a classic 'something you know' authentication factor because it relies on a secret value stored in the user's memory. Unlike biometric or possession-based factors, a PIN does not require any physical token or biological trait—only the recall of the correct numeric sequence. This aligns with the core definition of knowledge-based authentication (KBA) in IAM.
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.
PIN
Why this is correct
A secret known only to the user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Security question answer
Why this is correct
Knowledge-based.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Retina scan
Why it's wrong here
Biometric factor.
Fingerprint
Why it's wrong here
Biometric factor.
Smart card
Why it's wrong here
Possession factor.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between authentication factor categories, and the trap here is confusing a smart card (possession) or biometric (inherence) with a knowledge factor because they may involve a PIN or password entry step, but the factor type is defined by the primary source of the secret.
Detailed technical explanation
In multi-factor authentication (MFA), 'something you know' factors are often combined with other types to increase assurance. For example, a PIN used with a smart card (CHAP or PKI-based) creates two-factor authentication—knowledge and possession. The PIN itself is typically hashed and stored locally or validated against a server-side secret, but the user must recall it from memory, making it vulnerable to shoulder surfing or brute-force attacks if not properly rate-limited.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Identity and Access Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: PIN — A PIN is a classic 'something you know' authentication factor because it relies on a secret value stored in the user's memory. Unlike biometric or possession-based factors, a PIN does not require any physical token or biological trait—only the recall of the correct numeric sequence. This aligns with the core definition of knowledge-based authentication (KBA) in IAM.
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 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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