Which of the following offers a reliable form of authentication?

Two independent mechanisms for authentication provide a reliable form of authentication because they utilize multiple factors to verify the identity of a user. This approach combines something the user knows (such as a password or PIN) with something the user has (like a token or smart card) or something the user is (such as biometric data). By requiring multiple forms of verification, it enhances security significantly, as it reduces the likelihood that an adversary could gain access through a single compromised factor.

For example, even if a password is stolen, an unauthorized user would still need the second authentication mechanism to gain access. This principle is at the core of multifactor authentication (MFA), which is considered a best practice in cybersecurity.

In contrast, relying solely on a password or biometric authentication alone may not provide the same level of security. A password can be weak or stolen, and while biometrics offer a higher level of certainty, they are not infallible due to potential spoofing or issues with recognition. Social security numbers are particularly unreliable as a form of authentication since they can be easily obtained through various means, making them vulnerable to identity theft.