Authentication

Correct Answer: Verify the user's permissions and update them if necessary

The best solution when a user cannot access a database due to rejection of login credentials is to verify the user's permissions and update them if necessary. This is important in maintaining the security and integrity of the database. The user should be granted the necessary level of access based on their role and responsibilities. The other answers suggest practices that risk the safety or the integrity of the data: - Disabling the database's authentication bypasses important safeguards and opens the data up to anyone, allowing unauthorized access and potentially violating legal or contractual obligations concerning the data. - Allowing the user to use someone else's login credentials also compromises the security and accountability, as you cannot reliably track who is accessing the database or making any changes - Setting a temporary master password for the user is also a potential security risk as the master password typically gives full access to the database and its settings - it should only be used for system administration tasks.

Correct Answer: Verify that the authentication server has the right configurations

The best answer is to verify that the authentication server has the right configurations. After an upgrade, it's possible that some settings or configurations may have changed, causing employees to lose access. Checking and ensuring the server is properly configured is the most logical troubleshooting step. Downgrading the server, resetting all passwords, or disabling the authentication server entirely would be drastic measures that could cause further issues and should only be considered as last resorts if configuration issues are ruled out.

Correct Answer: Biometric authentication

Biometric authentication is the most suitable option for implementing a secure authentication method that doesn't require users to remember complex passwords. Here's why: Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, to verify their identity. This method is highly secure and user-friendly because: 1. It eliminates the need for users to remember passwords. 2. It's difficult to forge or replicate biometric data. 3. It provides a seamless and quick authentication experience. 4. It reduces the risk of credential sharing or theft. The other options are less suitable for the given requirement: Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) still requires users to input a code, which can be considered a form of password, albeit a temporary one. Smart card with PIN involves a physical card and a PIN, which users need to remember, contrary to the requirement of not having to remember complex passwords. Single Sign-On (SSO) with password policy still relies on passwords, even if it's a single password for multiple services. This doesn't meet the requirement of not using passwords for authentication. In conclusion, biometric authentication best meets the company's requirements for a secure authentication method that doesn't rely on users remembering complex passwords.