NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorSpecialties and EquipmentMedium
A commercial general contractor is preparing to install a new access control system for a secure data center. The client requires a high level of security that includes multi-factor authentication and detailed audit trails. Which of the following access control system components is essential to meet the multi-factor authentication requirement?
- AMagnetic lock and door contact sensor.
- BStandard key cylinder lock with a mechanical door closer.
- CKeypad for PIN entry and an exit push button.
- DBiometric reader (e.g., fingerprint) combined with a smart card reader.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Biometric reader (e.g., fingerprint) combined with a smart card reader.
Multi-factor authentication requires two or more distinct authentication factors. A biometric reader (something you are) combined with a smart card reader (something you have) provides two strong factors, satisfying the requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. These are locking and monitoring components, not authentication factors.
- B. A standard key cylinder lock is a single factor (something you have - the key) and does not provide multi-factor authentication or audit trails.
- C. A keypad provides one factor (something you know - PIN), and an exit button is for egress, not authentication.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
An authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as a physical location or a computer system.
- Enhances security by requiring multiple proofs of identity.
- Factors typically include: something you know (PIN/password), something you have (card/token), something you are (biometric).
- Commonly used in high-security environments like data centers.
Memory trick: For high security, 'Know' it, 'Have' it, and 'Be' it.