ITGSS Certified Technology Specialist

Which statement best describes a user authentication scheme?

1. Two-factor authentication is required

2. A user must provide a password only

3. Physical tokens are not necessary

4. All users are verified by IP address

The correct answer is: Two-factor authentication is required

A user authentication scheme must establish the identity of individuals accessing a system and often incorporates multiple methods to enhance security. The statement about two-factor authentication accurately captures the essence of an effective user authentication scheme, which typically requires users to provide two types of evidence to validate their identity. This approach combines something the user knows (like a password) with something they have (like a physical token or a smartphone), significantly increasing the security of the process by making it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access. The other options present narrower or less effective methods of authentication. Requiring only a password does not meet the contemporary standards for security, especially given the prevalence of cyber threats. The assertion about physical tokens not being necessary overlooks the increased security that multifactor methods can provide. Verifying users solely by IP address is generally not reliable, as IP addresses can be spoofed or shared among multiple users, leading to potential security vulnerabilities. Thus, advocating for two-factor authentication represents a robust and recognized best practice in user authentication.