Which are the three factor categories used in multi-factor authentication?

Study for the IBM Security Analyst Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

The three factor categories used in multi-factor authentication are "Something you have," "Something you are," and "Something you know." Each of these categories plays a crucial role in enhancing security by requiring different forms of verification from the user.

"Something you know" refers to information that only the user should possess, such as a password or a personal identification number (PIN). This is typically the first layer of authentication and relies on something inherently known to the user, which should be kept secret from others.

"Something you have" signifies a physical item in the user's possession, such as a smartphone, a security token, or a smart card, that provides a second layer of authentication. This factor ensures that even if someone knows the user's password, they cannot gain access without having the physical device as well.

"Something you are" relates to biometrics or physiological traits of the user, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or retinal scans. This factor relies on unique characteristics that are intrinsic to the user, making it difficult to impersonate someone else.

These three factors work together to create a stronger security posture, as they ensure that obtaining access requires more than just one form of verification, making unauthorized entry much more challenging.

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