Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the most common method for entity authentication?

1. Biometric identification systems

2. Password systems

3. Personal identification number

4. Token systems

The correct answer is: Password systems

The most common method for entity authentication is through password systems. Passwords have been a foundational method for verifying an individual's identity for many years and continue to be widely used due to their simplicity and ease of implementation. When a user creates a password, they are establishing a secret piece of information that only they should know, which can be used to confirm their identity when accessing a system or account. Passwords can be created and updated easily, allowing users to maintain control over their credentials. Though other methods like biometric identification systems, personal identification numbers, and token systems have their advantages and are employed in various contexts, they have not replaced passwords as the predominant form of authentication for general user access. Biometric systems often require specialized hardware, PINs may be less secure against several types of attacks, and token systems can introduce complexities that aren't necessary for every application. Therefore, password systems remain the most common and accessible method for authentication in many environments.