Physical Security

5 minutes 5 Questions

Physical Security encompasses the protection of an organization's premises, assets, personnel, and resources from physical threats such as theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, or damage. Implementing physical security measures involves a layered and comprehensive approach, integrating access cont…

A Comprehensive Guide: Physical Security in CompTIA Security+

Physical security forms a crucial aspect of any comprehensive security plan and holds imperative value in the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Why is it Important?
Physical security guards an organization's assets, personnel, and data against damage, unauthorized access or any form of harm that can be caused due to physical threats. Loss or damage of physical assets can cause severe consequences for a business, including data breaches, infrastructure damage, financial losses and loss of credibility.

What is Physical Security?
It refers to the measures taken to protect tangible properties such as buildings, equipment, and resources from damage and unauthorized access.
It includes elements like: site design and layout, environmental components, emergency response readiness, security procedures, standard operating procedures, and protocols, etc.

How Does it Work?
Physical security operates on several levels, including exterior boundaries, the perimeter of the building, and the internal premise. Various strategies such as CCTV cameras, locks and keys, access control systems, security personnel, etc., are used to provide physical security.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Physical Security
Understand the Concepts: Thoroughly understand the methods and principles of physical security, such as types of threats and countermeasures, physical security devices, procedures, and controls.
Use Practical Examples: Give practical examples of hardware and security controls to demonstrate your understanding of physical security measures.
Know the Terminology: Be familiar with specific terms associated with physical security such as access control, CCTV, etc.
Think from a 'Security Plus' Perspective: While answering, keep in mind both physical and digital security measures and the ways they complement each other.

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Question 1

A bank wants to improve physical security for its server room. Which access control would be the most effective in ensuring only authorized personnel can access the server room?

Biometric authentication Proximity cards Door locks Logged access

Correct Answer: Biometric authentication

Biometric authentication is the most secure option because it uses unique physiological characteristics (e.g., fingerprints) to verify a person's identity. Door locks and proximity cards can be bypassed, logged access does not prevent unauthorized entry, and visual identification can be fooled.

Question 2

A school needs to improve the physical security of its computer lab to prevent the theft of expensive equipment. What is the best solution for this issue?

Appoint a guard to monitor the lab during school hours Install access control mechanisms and use equipment locks Schedule regular inventory audits to track equipment Disable networking capabilities to limit remote access

Correct Answer: Install access control mechanisms and use equipment locks

Installing access control mechanisms and using equipment locks provide a secure first line of defense against physical theft. The other options either only partially address the issue or do not directly address the prevention of physical theft.

Question 3

A small retail store wants to secure their stock storage area due to past thefts. Which physical security measure would help secure the stock storage area?

Install lockable doors and require access cards Place security cameras throughout the store Install a water sprinkler system Use biometric and retina scanners

Correct Answer: Install lockable doors and require access cards

Installing lockable doors and access cards would help secure the stock storage area by restricting access to only authorized personnel. Cameras can deter theft, but do not secure the area. Biometric scanners may be expensive and unnecessary for a small retail store. Water sprinklers are intended for fire suppression, and security guards will not always be available to monitor the area. Password-only access may be less secure and provide fewer control options.

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