Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

Which authentication method strengthens security by requiring multiple forms of verification?

1. a. single sign-on

2. b. biometric authentication

3. c. multifactor authentication

4. d. password protection

The correct answer is: c. multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication is the correct answer because it enhances security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access to accounts or systems. This typically includes something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (such as a mobile device or security token), and something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). The combination of these different factors significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, as a potential intruder would need to compromise multiple elements to gain entry. In contrast, other authentication methods listed do not employ this multi-layered security approach. Single sign-on allows users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials, which simplifies the login process but does not inherently increase security. Biometric authentication does add a layer of security by using unique traits like fingerprints, but it typically operates as a single factor. Password protection relies solely on a single piece of information (the password), making it more vulnerable to breaches if that password is compromised. Thus, while each of these methods has its place in cybersecurity, multifactor authentication stands out as a more robust approach.