In terms of authentication factors, what does "something you are" refer to?

"Something you are" refers to biometric authentication factors, which specifically involve a person's physical traits. This can include characteristics like fingerprints, facial recognition, iris patterns, or voice recognition. Biometric factors are used because they are unique to individuals and difficult to replicate or share, making them a strong method of verifying identity.

In the context of authentication factors, this is distinct from the other options. A password or PIN falls under "something you know," which relies on knowledge-based authentication. An item you carry, like a smartcard, represents "something you have," which involves possession. Knowledge-based answers also belong to "something you know," as they require the user to recall specific information. Therefore, the selection of a physical characteristic as the form of authentication points directly to the concept of "something you are," which emphasizes inherent traits rather than learned knowledge or possessed items.