Knowledge-based authentication like passwords is an example of which factor?

Knowledge-based authentication like passwords is an example of which factor?

• A. Something you know
• B. Something you have
• C. Something you are
• D. Something you do

Answer: (A)

Knowledge-based authentication like passwords falls under the category of something you know. This factor relies on information the user can recall or provide from memory, such as a password, PIN, or passphrase. It’s distinguished from something you have (a physical device or card), something you are (a biometric like a fingerprint), or something you do (a behavior like keystroke dynamics). So, access is granted by presenting information stored in memory rather than presenting a physical item or a biometric measurement. That’s why passwords are classified as a knowledge factor.

Knowledge-based authentication like passwords falls under the category of something you know. This factor relies on information the user can recall or provide from memory, such as a password, PIN, or passphrase. It’s distinguished from something you have (a physical device or card), something you are (a biometric like a fingerprint), or something you do (a behavior like keystroke dynamics). So, access is granted by presenting information stored in memory rather than presenting a physical item or a biometric measurement. That’s why passwords are classified as a knowledge factor.