Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What does two-factor authentication increase in a security system?

1. User convenience

2. Data sharing

3. Security

4. Performance

The correct answer is: Security

Two-factor authentication significantly enhances security in a system. It does this by requiring two distinct forms of verification from the user before granting access. Typically, this involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user possesses (such as a smartphone app that generates a time-based OTP or a hardware token). The addition of this second layer of authentication makes it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they manage to obtain or guess the user's password. This extra step effectively mitigates risks associated with compromised passwords, phishing attacks, or even brute-force attacks where an attacker tries to guess passwords. By requiring two factors for validation, the security posture of the system is significantly strengthened, enhancing its ability to fend off unauthorized access and data breaches. This is particularly critical in protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of systems in a cybersecurity context.