CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which two elements are included in multifactor authentication?

1. Something you own and something you remember

2. Something you know and something you have

3. Something you type and something you say

4. Something you see and something you hear

The correct answer is: Something you know and something you have

Multifactor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an application or online account. The key components of MFA are typically categorized into three elements: something you know (like a password), something you have (like a smartphone or smart card), and something you are (biometric data like fingerprints). The correct choice combines "something you know" and "something you have." This pairing is foundational in MFA protocols because it creates a layered defense. For example, even if a user's password is compromised (something they know), the attacker would still need access to a physical device (something they have) to gain entry. This significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access as it requires having multiple types of evidence. The other choices do not accurately reflect the established categories of multifactor authentication. The mentions of typing and speaking, as well as seeing and hearing, do not correspond directly to the recognized elements of security factors used in MFA.