Physical Barriers

5 minutes 5 Questions

Physical barriers are an essential aspect of physical security that prevents unauthorized access and protects human life and physical assets. These barriers can include walls, fences, gates, bollards, or other obstacles that control access to a secured area. The main goal of using physical barriers is to create a clear separation between public and controlled zones while slowing down or stopping the progress of an intruder. The design of the barriers should take into consideration the potential threats identified in the risk assessment and be able to withstand them.

Guide to Physical Barriers in CISSP Exam

What is it?
Physical Barriers refer to a set of tangible obstacles or structures – such as gates, fences, walls, locks, and others – designed to prevent unauthorized access to a particular area within a physical environment.

Why is it important?
Understanding Physical Barriers is crucial in the field of Information Security for safeguarding assets and maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. Physical Barriers play a crucial role in maintaining layered defense and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

How does it work?
Physical Barriers work by providing visible and physical hindrance to intruders, thereby increasing the time and effort to gain illegal access and subsequently decreases the likelihood of a breach.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Physical Barriers
1. Understand the types and levels of physical barriers. Example - a locked door is a less effective barrier compared to a guarded fence.
2. Remember that even the most comprehensive technical security measures can be rendered useless if physical security is compromised.
3. Be aware of the principles of security, i.e., deterrent, detection, delay, response.
4. When answering questions concerning physical barriers, ensure you understand the context of the question – what asset is being protected and what the risk is.
5. Use real-life examples as an aid for understanding and answering questions on this topic.

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Question 1

A company wants to improve the physical security of its data center by installing a mechanical barrier to deter unauthorized access. Which of the following barriers would effectively slow down intruders without being overly intrusive?

Barbed wire Bollards Electric fence Razor wire

Correct Answer: Bollards

Bollards are short, sturdy posts that provide a physical barrier, slowing down intruders while not being intrusive. Razor wire, electric fences, and barbed wire can be harmful to people and are generally used in high-security settings. A revolving door doesn't provide a strong mechanical barrier, and a moat is unrealistic and expensive.

Question 2

A financial institution's data center has experienced several physical security breaches in the past. Security management decided to perform a risk assessment. What is the most important aspect to consider?

Evaluate the effectiveness of current physical security controls Invest in more robust security technology Hire additional security personnel Purchase insurance against physical theft

Correct Answer: Evaluate the effectiveness of current physical security controls

The risk assessment's primary goal is to identify current vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Evaluating the effectiveness of current physical security controls is pivotal in identifying areas for improvement, whereas other options may divert attention away from that crucial focus.

Question 3

A small business has just moved to a new office location that shares the building with other tenants. In order to protect their critical IT assets, they want to implement a physical barrier. Which of the following barriers would be most suitable?

Place assets in a locked safe Install a door lock with keycard access Use a security guard Install a basic deadbolt lock

Correct Answer: Install a door lock with keycard access

Installing a door lock with keycard access provides better access control and security compared to other options. While a security guard may deter criminals, it doesn't physically protect the IT assets. A safe or deadbolt lock is less secure and more easily tampered with. A combination lock can be bypassed by an unauthorized person who knows the combination. Relying on building security neglects the specific security needs of the small business.

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