Which IoT security challenge is Joelle trying to overcome by requiring strong user passwords and two-factor authentication?

Which IoT security challenge is Joelle trying to overcome by requiring strong user passwords and two-factor authentication?

• A. Default, weak, and hardcoded credentials
• B. Open ports
• C. Firmware encryption
• D. Strong biometric authentication

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how to address weaknesses in IoT authentication caused by credentials. Requiring strong user passwords and two-factor authentication directly targets the problem of default, weak, or hardcoded credentials that many IoT devices ship with or use by design. By enforcing strong passwords, the risk from easily guessable or reused credentials is reduced. Adding two-factor authentication provides a second hurdle, so even if a password is compromised, access isn’t granted without the second factor. This approach specifically mitigates credential-related risks, whereas open ports concern exposed services, firmware encryption protects the device firmware from tampering, and biometric authentication is another form of authentication but doesn’t inherently fix the issue of weak or hardcoded credentials.

The concept being tested is how to address weaknesses in IoT authentication caused by credentials. Requiring strong user passwords and two-factor authentication directly targets the problem of default, weak, or hardcoded credentials that many IoT devices ship with or use by design. By enforcing strong passwords, the risk from easily guessable or reused credentials is reduced. Adding two-factor authentication provides a second hurdle, so even if a password is compromised, access isn’t granted without the second factor. This approach specifically mitigates credential-related risks, whereas open ports concern exposed services, firmware encryption protects the device firmware from tampering, and biometric authentication is another form of authentication but doesn’t inherently fix the issue of weak or hardcoded credentials.