ISC Systems Security Engineering Foundations Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are valid 'Authentication' factors?
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
✓
Something you are (e.g., fingerprint)
Authentication factors fall into categories: something you know, something you have, and something you are.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Something you are (e.g., fingerprint)
Why this is correct
Biometric authentication is a standard factor.
- ✗
Where you sit in the office
Why it's wrong here
Physical location is not an authentication factor.
- ✓
Something you know (e.g., password)
Why this is correct
Knowledge-based authentication is a standard factor.
- ✓
Something you have (e.g., hardware token)
Why this is correct
Possession-based authentication is a standard factor.
- ✗
Your mood at the time of login
Why it's wrong here
Mood is not a reliable authentication factor.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.