AP Cybersecurity topic 2.3
Protecting Physical Spaces
Physical controls include locks, badge readers, fences, security guards, mantraps, and cable locks. Controls are often grouped by purpose: deterrent (discourage), preventive (stop), detective (notice), and corrective (fix). Good design restricts the most sensitive areas to the fewest people.
Protecting Physical Spaces vocabulary
- Access control vestibule (mantrap): Two doors where the second opens only after the first closes, stopping tailgating.
- Preventive control: A control that stops an attack from happening.
- Deterrent control: A control that discourages attackers, such as warning signs.
- Least privilege: Giving people only the access they need.
AP-style practice questions
Try each one, then open the answer. To save your progress, take this quiz in the interactive course.
1. A data center wants to stop tailgating into its server hall. Which of the following controls would be most effective?
- (A) A sign that reads "Authorized personnel only"
- (B) An access control vestibule that lets one person through at a time
- (C) Brighter hallway lighting
- (D) A visitor sign-in sheet
Show answer
(B) An access control vestibule that lets one person through at a time A vestibule (mantrap) physically allows only one person to pass per authentication.
2. Which of the following is an example of a managerial control for physical security?
- (A) A policy requiring visitors to be escorted at all times
- (B) A steel door
- (C) A motion-activated camera
- (D) A fingerprint reader
Show answer
(A) A policy requiring visitors to be escorted at all times Managerial controls are policies and procedures. Doors, cameras, and readers are physical or technical controls.
3. A bank installs bollards (short concrete posts) in front of its glass entrance. Which type of attack does this control mainly mitigate?
- (A) A vehicle being driven into the building
- (B) Shoulder surfing at ATMs
- (C) Phishing emails to tellers
- (D) Malware on bank laptops
Show answer
(A) A vehicle being driven into the building Bollards are a physical barrier against vehicle ramming.
4. Which of the following best applies the principle of least privilege to a school building's badge system?
- (A) Give every staff member access to every room so no one gets locked out
- (B) Give each staff member access only to the areas their job requires
- (C) Disable badges and use one shared key
- (D) Let students borrow staff badges when needed
Show answer
(B) Give each staff member access only to the areas their job requires Least privilege limits access to what each role needs.