In the context of security, which of the following is considered "something you know"?

In the context of security, "something you know" refers to a type of authentication factor that relies on knowledge possessed by the user. A password is a classic example of this, as it is a secret string of characters that a user creates and must remember to gain access to a system or service. This authentication method is based on the premise that only the authorized user knows the password, thereby providing a level of security against unauthorized access.

The other options represent different types of authentication factors. A fingerprint scan is a form of biometric authentication, which falls under "something you are." A smart card is a physical token, categorized as "something you have." Location verification, meanwhile, checks the user's geographic position and falls into a different authentication category that relies on situational awareness. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes in security, but they do not align with the concept of "something you know," clearly making the password the accurate choice in this context.