What is the main characteristic of single factor authentication?

The main characteristic of single factor authentication is that it involves the use of one of the three commonly recognized authentication factors: something you know (knowledge-based), something you have (possession-based), or something you are (biometric). By requiring just one factor, single factor authentication simplifies the access process, as users only need to provide a single credential—such as a password, a smart card, or a fingerprint—for verification.

This approach is commonly used for basic authentication scenarios where security requirements are less stringent, making it easier for users to access systems without needing to recall or present multiple forms of verification. The focus on a single factor streamlines the authentication process, although it may not provide the same level of protection against unauthorized access as multi-factor authentication, which utilizes two or more distinct forms of verification.