Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of multifactor authentication?

1. a. simplify data protection

2. b. prevent data breaches

3. c. encrypt data

4. d. facilitate data sharing

The correct answer is: b. prevent data breaches

The primary purpose of multifactor authentication (MFA) is to enhance security and specifically to prevent data breaches. MFA adds an additional layer of protection by requiring users to present multiple forms of verification when accessing sensitive information or systems. This can include something they know (like a password), something they have (like a mobile device for a text or smart card), or something they are (like a fingerprint). By implementing MFA, organizations significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, as even if a password is compromised, a potential intruder would still need the other authentication factors to gain access. This comprehensive approach to authentication helps safeguard data integrity and confidentiality, thereby effectively preventing potential data breaches. While the other options relate to aspects of data security, they do not capture the main intent of MFA as directly as preventing data breaches does. Simplifying data protection or facilitating data sharing are not core objectives of MFA, nor does encryption itself represent the function of MFA, which focuses on verifying identity rather than securing data in transit or at rest.