What type of authentication factor is represented when using a fingerprint scanner?

When using a fingerprint scanner, the authentication factor represented is "something you are." This type of factor is based on unique biological characteristics of an individual, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris patterns, and voice recognition. These biometric traits are inherently linked to the person and are difficult to replicate or steal, making them a strong form of authentication.

In the context of security, "something you are" is distinguished from the other types of authentication factors. For instance, "something you know" refers to knowledge-based factors like passwords or PINs that the user must remember and can be vulnerable to guessing or theft. "Something you have" includes items like security tokens or smart cards, which the user must physically possess. "Something you do" pertains to behavioral biometrics, such as keystroke patterns or gait analysis, which monitor how an individual interacts with a system rather than a physical attribute.

Thus, since a fingerprint scanner specifically relies on the unique biological characteristic of an individual's fingerprint, it fits directly into the category of "something you are."