What type of authentication requires you to answer a previously asked question?

Cognitive passwords are a form of authentication that relies on the user's ability to recall answers to questions that are typically associated with their personal life, preferences, or experiences, which are known only to them. This method is designed to enhance security by requiring the user to provide information that is not easily accessible to others. It often includes questions like "What is the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?"

This type of authentication leverages personal knowledge as a means of confirming identity. Unlike token authentication, which relies on physical devices to generate one-time codes or access credentials, cognitive passwords focus solely on the user's memory and personal information. Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, while simple passwords involve basic alphanumeric passwords without any contextual or personal references. Therefore, cognitive passwords are distinct because they depend specifically on personal knowledge in response to pre-determined questions, offering a unique mechanism for authentication.