An administrator must gesture on a touch screen after entering a username and password. What type of authentication is being demonstrated?

The scenario describes an administrator who enters a username and password and then has to perform a gesture on a touchscreen. This sequence indicates the use of multiple forms of authentication methods. Two-factor authentication combines something the user knows, such as a password, with something the user has or something the user does, which, in this case, is the gesture on the touchscreen.

Two-factor authentication enhances security by requiring two different forms of verification from the user. The password is the first factor (something you know), while the gesture adds an additional layer by requiring a specific action (something you do). This makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult, as an attacker would need not only the password but also to mimic the specific gesture that the legitimate user performs.

In contrast to other options, such as multifactor authentication which can include three or more factors, or biometrics which typically involve physical characteristics like fingerprints or facial recognition, the scenario specifically highlights the combination of two distinct factors—knowledge (password) and action (gesture). Thus, it showcases the essence of two-factor authentication effectively.