What is Multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

What is Multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

• A. Biometric only
• B. Multi-factor authentication; requires two or more independent factors
• C. Single-factor password only
• D. Password manager as only factor

Answer: (B)

MFA is about proving who you are using more than one independent form of verification. The correct statement defines MFA as requiring two or more separate factors, typically from categories like something you know (a password), something you have (a code on your phone or a hardware token), and something you are (a biometric). This combination protects you even if one factor is compromised, because an attacker would still need a second, different factor to gain access. Using only a biometric check or only a password covers a single factor, so it doesn’t meet MFA. Relying on a password manager as the sole factor also amounts to a single factor, since it hinges on one method to access credentials rather than two independent sources of verification.

MFA is about proving who you are using more than one independent form of verification. The correct statement defines MFA as requiring two or more separate factors, typically from categories like something you know (a password), something you have (a code on your phone or a hardware token), and something you are (a biometric). This combination protects you even if one factor is compromised, because an attacker would still need a second, different factor to gain access. Using only a biometric check or only a password covers a single factor, so it doesn’t meet MFA. Relying on a password manager as the sole factor also amounts to a single factor, since it hinges on one method to access credentials rather than two independent sources of verification.