Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Practice Exam

Which method incorporates two different types of authentication credentials?

1. Single-Factor Authentication

2. Two-Factor Authentication

3. Multi-Factor Authentication

4. Integrated Authentication

The correct answer is: Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication is designed specifically to enhance security by requiring two distinct types of authentication credentials from the user. This method typically involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (like a smartphone app that generates a code or a text message with a verification code). By incorporating these two different factors, Two-Factor Authentication greatly minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, as an attacker would need to obtain both types of credentials to breach the account. While Single-Factor Authentication relies on just one credential, it does not provide the same level of security. Multi-Factor Authentication includes more than two types of credentials, which goes beyond the two required in Two-Factor Authentication, but the question specifies the use of just two. Integrated Authentication generally refers to a different concept focused on seamless authentication processes rather than the number of factors used, which is why it does not fit the criteria established in the question.