Which multi-factor authentication (MFA) combination offers the strongest security? Learn why using a smart card and PIN—combining something you have with something you know—provides robust protection for secure access, essential for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following multi-factor authentication (MFA) combinations provides the strongest security?
A. Password + PIN
B. Fingerprint + Retina Scan
C. Username + Security Questions
D. SMS Code + Password
E. Smart Card + PIN
Answer
E. Smart Card + PIN
Explanation
MFA should use two different authentication factors, such as “something you have” (smart card) and “something you know” (PIN).
The strongest multi-factor authentication (MFA) combination is Smart Card + PIN.
Effective MFA requires at least two different types of authentication factors: something you know (knowledge, e.g., PIN), something you have (possession, e.g., smart card), or something you are (inherence, e.g., fingerprint).
A smart card is a physical device issued to the user, containing cryptographic credentials. The PIN is a secret known only to the user. This combination ensures that even if one factor is compromised (e.g., the smart card is stolen), unauthorized access is still prevented without the second factor (the PIN).
This approach is more secure than using two knowledge factors (e.g., password + PIN) or two inherence factors (e.g., fingerprint + retina scan), since attackers would need both the physical device and the secret code to gain access.
Hardware-based possession factors (like smart cards or security keys) are considered highly resistant to phishing and remote attacks, making them a best practice for securing sensitive systems.
Industry standards and best practices recommend combining possession and knowledge factors for the highest level of MFA security.
This combination leverages two distinct authentication factors—something you have (smart card) and something you know (PIN)—providing robust, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication.
CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam and earn CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification.