Sophos Certified Engineer Practice Exam

Which statement best describes Multi-factor Authentication?

1. It requires only a password

2. It offers a single point of entry

3. It adds an additional layer of security

4. It is only applicable to end-users

The correct answer is: It adds an additional layer of security

The statement that Multi-factor Authentication adds an additional layer of security is accurate and reflects the fundamental principle of this security measure. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system, application, or online account. This process can involve something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or hardware token), or something the user is (biometric identifiers). By combining these elements, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making it much more challenging for attackers to compromise accounts, even if they have obtained the password. The other statements do not capture the essence of MFA. For instance, using only a password does not constitute multi-factor authentication, as it lacks the necessary additional layers. A single point of entry suggests a lack of robust security measures, which goes against the purpose of MFA. Lastly, while MFA is commonly applied to end-users, it can also be utilized in various contexts, including administrative access and API interactions, making the claim of its applicability limited to end-users inaccurate.