UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Two factor authentication combines two different categories of credentials, typically something the user knows (password) and something the user has (a mobile device or token). This greatly strengthens account security compared to single factor methods. ICT systems increasingly adopt 2FA to protect sensitive data and services. Therefore, the mechanism described is two factor authentication.

Option A:
Option A is correct because requiring both a password and a code from a separate device fits the definition of two factor authentication.

Option B:
Option B, single factor, authentication would rely on only one credential type, such as a password, and does not describe the extra verification step.

Option C:
Option C, biometric only, authentication uses physical characteristics like fingerprints but may still be single factor if used alone and does not necessarily involve one time codes.

Option D:
Option D, open, authentication has no clear meaning in security practice and certainly does not capture strengthened, multi step verification.

Statements A and C correctly describe strong password characteristics and the value of two-factor authentication, whereas B and D promote insecure behaviour. Reusing a single password across many services increases the impact of any one compromise. Similarly, displaying passwords openly on a monitor invites misuse by anyone nearby. Thus, the only acceptable combination is the one that includes A and C but excludes B and D.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it chooses only A and leaves out C. While A is true, ignoring the important role of two-factor authentication underestimates modern security practices that combine something you know with something you have or are.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it selects C only and omits A. Two-factor authentication is indeed valuable, but strong password construction remains a basic requirement for protecting accounts. This option therefore does not include all correct statements.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it recognises that both strong passwords and multi-factor authentication work together to enhance security. It explicitly rejects the risky practices of password reuse and visible notes, which are described in B and D.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it accepts all four statements, including B and D. Since those two statements contradict fundamental security guidelines, this combination cannot be considered correct.

Statements A, B, D and E describe fundamental components of a layered security strategy. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems protect network perimeters and internal traffic, two-factor authentication strengthens access control and audits reveal vulnerabilities. Statement C is false because shared administrator passwords reduce accountability and increase risk. Statement F is false since unencrypted internal traffic can be intercepted or leaked, so all true statements are A, B, D and E.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it reflects a defence-in-depth approach where prevention, monitoring and assessment work together. It correctly rejects password-sharing and the assumption that unencrypted internal networks are always safe, aligning with best practices in security management.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits E, and thus ignores the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. While A, B and D are true, they do not cover the continual improvement cycle needed to maintain security posture.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes F and omits A. Accepting F would leave internal traffic exposed, and leaving out A fails to mention basic firewall protection, so B, D, E and F do not form a complete or fully accurate set.

Option D:
Option D is incomplete because it excludes B and therefore fails to mention intrusion detection or prevention as a monitoring layer. Although A, D and E are correct, this omission means the combination does not include all true statements.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because sharing passwords with anyone increases the risk of unauthorised access and identity theft. Statements A, B and D describe recommended security practices such as strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication and updated antivirus software. Good cybersecurity emphasises keeping credentials private and systems updated. Therefore the correct option is the one that identifies only C as wrong.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it groups A and C as wrong, even though statement A is clearly a good practice. Using strong and unique passwords is a core guideline in all security frameworks. Treating A as wrong contradicts basic cybersecurity principles.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it marks C and D as wrong. While C is indeed wrong, D is correct in stating that antivirus updates are important for defending against evolving malware. Including D in the wrong set undermines the accuracy of this option.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it selects only C as the wrong statement and acknowledges that the others describe sound practices. It recognises that password sharing is inherently risky, even with people one might trust otherwise. This aligns with recommended online safety behaviour.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it lists A, B and C as wrong and omits D. Both A and B support stronger security, so combining them with the false statement C misrepresents cybersecurity recommendations.

Two-factor authentication typically combines something the user knows, such as a password, with something the user has or is, such as a one-time code or biometric. Even if one factor is compromised, an attacker still needs the second factor to log in. This layered verification greatly increases the difficulty of unauthorised access. Therefore, stronger account protection is the main benefit of 2FA.

Option A:
This option correctly states that 2FA relies on two independent types of evidence about identity. It reflects current best practices promoted by many educational, banking and social platforms.

Option B:
2FA does not remove the need for passwords; in most implementations, the password remains the first factor. Eliminating passwords altogether would change the model rather than strengthening it.

Option C:
Allowing anyone to access accounts without verification is the opposite of what 2FA achieves. 2FA is introduced precisely to tighten identity checks.

Option D:
Automatic global backup of data is a storage function, not an authentication feature. 2FA focuses on verifying who is trying to log in, not on copying information.

Two factor authentication (2FA) strengthens security by demanding evidence from two different categories such as something you know (password) and something you have (phone or token). Even if a password is compromised, the attacker still lacks the second factor. This approach reduces successful unauthorized access to online accounts. Therefore the dual requirement described in the stem exemplifies two factor authentication.

Option A:
Option A, single sign-on, allows users to access multiple systems with one set of credentials but does not necessarily involve multiple factors. It focuses on convenience rather than adding an extra independent verification.

Option B:
Option B, data encryption, protects information by converting it into unreadable form for unauthorized parties but is not itself an authentication method. It addresses confidentiality rather than proving identity during login.

Option C:
Option C is correct because 2FA schemes commonly use one-time codes delivered via SMS, authenticator apps or hardware tokens alongside traditional passwords. The example of a phone code in the stem matches this pattern exactly.

Option D:
Option D, file compression, reduces file size for storage or transmission efficiency and has no relation to verifying user identity.