Which is the strongest example of authentication?

Which is the strongest example of authentication?

• A. Having a username and a password
• B. Using a password and a device with changing unique numbers
• C. Having a username that is not related to real name
• D. Memorizing your password

Answer: (B)

Authentication strength comes from using multiple factors. The strongest example here combines something you know (a password) with something you have (a device that generates changing numbers). That device produces a one-time code that changes, so even if the password is stolen, an attacker would also need the current code from the device to gain access. This is multi-factor authentication, which is far more secure than relying on a single factor. The other options rely on just one factor or don’t verify identity in a way that’s resistant to common attacks. A username and password is a single factor, memorizing a password is still the same single-factor risk, and just having a username that isn’t tied to a real name doesn’t strengthen authentication on its own.

Authentication strength comes from using multiple factors. The strongest example here combines something you know (a password) with something you have (a device that generates changing numbers). That device produces a one-time code that changes, so even if the password is stolen, an attacker would also need the current code from the device to gain access. This is multi-factor authentication, which is far more secure than relying on a single factor.

The other options rely on just one factor or don’t verify identity in a way that’s resistant to common attacks. A username and password is a single factor, memorizing a password is still the same single-factor risk, and just having a username that isn’t tied to a real name doesn’t strengthen authentication on its own.