What does multifactor authentication typically include?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is designed to enhance security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an account or system. This approach increases the difficulty for unauthorized users to gain access, as it combines different types of authentication methods.

The correct answer involves multiple credentials based on different factors, which typically include:

1. Something you know - This could be a password or a PIN.

2. Something you have - This might be a physical device like a smartphone, smart card, or security token that is used to generate a one-time code.

3. Something you are - This refers to biometric factors such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.

By requiring multiple types of credentials from these different categories, MFA reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, as compromising one factor alone is not enough to bypass security.

In contrast, relying on a single password for all accounts fundamentally weakens security, as one compromised password can lead to widespread vulnerability. A biometric scan alone does not encompass the multifaceted nature of MFA, as it is just one method without the combination of additional factors. Security questions, while potentially providing another layer of verification, are often not consistently reliable and can sometimes be easily guessed