ITGSS Certified Technology Specialist

What primary characteristic defines a successful two-factor authentication process?

1. A single password is used

2. Multiple verification methods are required

3. Only face identification is necessary

4. It operates without any physical tokens

The correct answer is: Multiple verification methods are required

A successful two-factor authentication process is primarily defined by the requirement for multiple verification methods. This approach enhances security by combining two different elements that must be presented to gain access. These elements typically fall into three categories: something you know (like a password), something you have (such as a smartphone or a hardware token), and something you are (biometric verification like fingerprints or face recognition). By requiring two of these factors, the process significantly decreases the likelihood of unauthorized access. In contrast to this correct answer, using a single password, relying solely on face identification, or operating without any physical tokens does not fulfill the security requirements of two-factor authentication. Each of those scenarios lacks the crucial element of requiring two distinct forms of verification, making them less secure and failing to meet the definition of two-factor authentication.