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SSCP Practice Question: A company uses an identity management system that…
A company uses an identity management system that requires users to authenticate using a smart card and a PIN. This is an example of:
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse multi-factor authentication (MFA) with two-factor authentication (2FA), but the SSCP exam expects you to recognize that when exactly two distinct factors are used, 'two-factor authentication' is the precise and correct term, not the broader 'multi-factor authentication'.
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
✓
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two distinct factors from different categories: something you have (the smart card) and something you know (the PIN). This combination provides stronger assurance than a single factor because an attacker would need both physical possession of the card and knowledge of the PIN to authenticate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Single sign-on (SSO)
Why it's wrong here
SSO allows one login to multiple systems, not about factors.
- ✗
Biometric authentication
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics uses physical traits, not a card and PIN.
- ✓
Two-factor authentication
Why this is correct
Smart card (possession) and PIN (knowledge) constitute two-factor authentication.
- ✗
Multi-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
MFA requires two or more factors; this is a specific case of MFA, but two-factor is more precise.
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Related to this question
About these practice questions
This SSCP question is part of Courseiva's 920-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SSCP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A small company with 50 employees uses a local file server for sharing documents. Each employee has a username and password for authentication. The company wants to implement an additional layer of security to protect sensitive data without incurring high costs. They are considering using smart cards or biometric scanners. However, the budget is limited, and employees often work remotely. Which of the following is the most cost-effective and practical approach to strengthen authentication?
easy- ✓ A.Implement a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app.
- B.Increase password complexity requirements and enforce periodic changes.
- C.Issue USB tokens to all employees.
- D.Use Windows Hello facial recognition on company laptops.
Why A: One-time password (OTP) via a mobile app is low-cost, does not require additional hardware, and works well for remote employees by providing a second factor without relying on location-specific devices. Smart cards or USB tokens require hardware purchase and distribution. Biometrics like Windows Hello require compatible hardware and may not be available on all remote devices. Increasing password complexity is not multi-factor authentication and does not add a second factor.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.