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Physical and Environmental Security

5 minutes 5 Questions

Physical and environmental security is an important aspect of security compliance, as it focuses on protecting an organization's facilities, equipment, and data from potential threats such as theft, damage, or natural disasters. Implementing appropriate physical and environmental controls helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information systems and resources, ensuring that the organization remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. Key elements of physical and environmental security include access controls (e.g., badge entry systems, locks), surveillance systems, environmental controls (e.g., temperature, humidity), intrusion detection, fire suppression, and secure disposal of IT assets and data storage devices. Maintaining good physical and environmental security practices also contributes to overall business continuity and disaster recovery planning efforts.

Guide on Physical and Environmental Security

Physical and Environmental Security is a vital part of the CISSP Security Compliance topic. This area focuses on the preservation of hardware, software, and data from physical events that might cause serious losses or damage. These events can include natural disasters, power failures, and other environmental factors.

Why is it important?
Physical and environmental security is essential because, in their absence, systems could be jeopardized by theft, damages, or uncontrolled environmental factors. Thus, ensuring continuity of operation and integrity of company's infrastructure.

How does it work?
Physical and environmental security practices involve a variety of mechanisms like securing the physical servers systems by limiting access to facilities, monitoring temperature and humidity levels, and having contingency plans for floods, fires, or power failures.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Physical and Environmental Security
1. Understand the Concept: Read and comprehend the whole idea of physical and environmental security. Pay attention to aspects such as physical access control, environmental controls, and fire suppression.
2. Practical Application: Use real-world applications and examples to boost understanding.
3. Practice questions: Practice makes perfect, engage in as many mock exam questions related to physical and environmental security as possible.
4. Be observant of keywords: Questions are often tricky; ensure to interpret the questions correctly. Focus on keywords in the questions before giving an answer.
5. Review: Always review your answers before submitting.

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CISSP - Security Compliance Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

A data center is constantly experiencing power outages, causing server downtime. Which solution will help mitigate this problem?

Correct Answer: Install an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system

Installing a UPS system will provide continuous power during outages, preventing downtime. Disabling redundant power supplies, installing additional outlets, and upgrading cooling systems won't address the power outage problem. Relocating the data center and limiting rack density may help in other aspects but not in preventing downtime due to power outages.

Question 2

A company's server room has experienced two minor fires caused by electrical issues. What is the most effective measure to prevent future fires and minimize potential damage?

Correct Answer: Upgrade electrical wiring

Upgrading the electrical wiring is the most effective solution to prevent future fires in the server room. Since the previous two fires were caused by electrical issues, addressing the root cause is crucial. By upgrading the electrical wiring, the company can eliminate the source of the problem and significantly reduce the risk of future electrical fires. This proactive approach is more effective than implementing reactive measures like fire suppression systems or removing combustible materials. Preventing the fire from occurring in the first place is the best way to minimize potential damage to the server room and its equipment.

Question 3

CCTV cameras in a facility are being tampered with which leads to security incidents going unnoticed. What measure can help prevent this?

Correct Answer: Install tamper-resistant CCTV cameras

Installing tamper-resistant CCTV cameras would prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with them. Adding more cameras, upgrading resolution, or increasing storage capacity would not address the tampering issue. Motion sensors and changing recording frequency may help in detecting incidents but won't prevent tampering.

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