Which factor is described by 'Something you have'?

Which factor is described by 'Something you have'?

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

Answer: (B)

In authentication, the phrase describes the possession-based factor—the proof of identity that comes from a physical object you carry. This includes items like a hardware token, smart card, USB security key, or a mobile device used to generate or receive a code. The key idea is that the credential is something you possess, not something you know (like a password), not something inherent to you (biometrics), and not a behavior you perform. So this descriptor clearly points to the possession-based factor. The other categories are different: something you know is secrets you recall, something you are is biometric data, and something you do is a behavioral pattern.

In authentication, the phrase describes the possession-based factor—the proof of identity that comes from a physical object you carry. This includes items like a hardware token, smart card, USB security key, or a mobile device used to generate or receive a code. The key idea is that the credential is something you possess, not something you know (like a password), not something inherent to you (biometrics), and not a behavior you perform. So this descriptor clearly points to the possession-based factor. The other categories are different: something you know is secrets you recall, something you are is biometric data, and something you do is a behavioral pattern.