Multifactor Authentication for Secure Access for A+
Short answer
MFA makes accounts more resistant to credential theft by requiring two different types of proof. A password plus a one-time code or push notification is an example of two factors. For A+ support purposes, the technician should recommend MFA when the scenario aims to reduce risk from stolen passwords or to strengthen remote access.
Why it appears on the exam
- Recognize MFA as the correct mitigation for stolen-password risk. - Identify examples of different factor types. - Reject MFA when the question asks for a wireless protocol or an encryption term.
Key concepts
Concept 1
Required terms
multifactor authentication: An authentication approach that requires two or more different types of proof (factors) before granting access. MFA: Common abbreviation for multifactor authentication. authentication factor: A category of proof used to verify identity: something you know, something you have, or something you are. Multifactor authentication: An authentication approach that requires two or more different types of proof (factors) before granting access.
Example
A support question: "How can the company reduce the likelihood of compromised accounts if passwords leak?" Answer: implement multifactor authentication (MFA).
Concept 2
How Multifactor Authentication for Secure Access works
MFA makes accounts more resistant to credential theft by requiring two different types of proof. A password plus a one-time code or push notification is an example of two factors. For A+ support purposes, the technician should recommend MFA when the scenario aims to reduce risk from stolen passwords or to strengthen remote access.
Example
A user signs in with a password and then approves a prompt on their phone: this is MFA because it uses two different factor types.
Concept 3
Common confusion
Students may treat MFA as a network protocol or encryption setting. Reinforce that MFA is about authentication strength and can be used together with RADIUS, WPA Enterprise, or other systems.
Example
A support question: "How can the company reduce the likelihood of compromised accounts if passwords leak?" Answer: implement multifactor authentication (MFA).
Concept 4
Core 2 (220-1202) question cues
Recognize MFA as the correct mitigation for stolen-password risk; Identify examples of different factor types; Reject MFA when the question asks for a wireless protocol or an encryption term.
Example
A user signs in with a password and then approves a prompt on their phone: this is MFA because it uses two different factor types.
Sample questions
Select an answer to reveal the explanation. For tracked practice and weak-area review, use the Cultiv8 app.
Q1.A technician is troubleshooting this situation: A support question: "How can the company reduce the likelihood of compromised accounts if passwords leak?" Answer: implement multifactor authentication (MFA). What should they identify?
Q2.A support ticket includes this clue: A support question: "How can the company reduce the likelihood of compromised accounts if passwords leak?" Answer: implement multifactor authentication (MFA). Which concept is being tested?
Q3.Read this A+ scenario: A category of proof used to verify identity: something you know, something you have, or something you are. Which term or action matches it?
Practice this lesson in Cultiv8
The app adds tracked practice, targeted remediation, saved session history, and future readiness scoring.
Continue in Cultiv8