Which of the following describes single-factor authentication?

Single-factor authentication is a security process that requires one form of verification to grant access to a system or service. This typically involves the use of a username and password, which is the most common method of authentication. The user enters their username and password combination, and if this information matches the stored credentials, access is granted.

In contrast, the other options reference different authentication methods. Biometrics, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, represent a type of authentication based on a unique physical characteristic but do not encompass the broader category of single-factor authentication as a standard practice. Multiple forms of verification correspond to multi-factor authentication, where two or more methods are employed to verify an identity, increasing security. For example, using both a password and a security token constitutes multi-factor authentication. Security tokens, while a valid form of authentication, are typically used in conjunction with other methods to provide enhanced security, rather than functioning alone in the context of single-factor authentication.