Access Control Systems & Surveillance Flashcards

For a high-security vault door, which locking configuration keeps the door locked if power fails?

Answer: Fail-secure

A fail-secure lock stays locked when power is lost, which protects high-value areas, though mechanical free egress may still be required.

What is the most likely weakness of a legacy 26-bit Wiegand proximity credential?

Answer: Its small, unencrypted ID can be read and cloned easily

26-bit prox cards send a short static number with no encryption, so cheap devices can capture and copy it.

A video management system (VMS) is configured to send an alert when a person enters a restricted zone after hours. What capability is this?

Answer: Video analytics (intrusion or line-crossing detection)

Analytics rules such as line-crossing or zone intrusion detection automatically flag events instead of relying on constant human watching.

Why is it a problem when one operator has to watch dozens of live camera feeds for long periods?

Answer: Attention drops sharply after about 20 minutes, so events get missed

Studies show operator vigilance falls quickly over time, which is why analytics and alarm-driven call-up of cameras are recommended.

A request-to-exit (REX) motion sensor above a door is triggered by someone sliding an object through the gap under the door from outside. What is the best countermeasure?

Answer: Add a door sweep or threshold and adjust the sensor's detection pattern

Closing the gap and aiming the sensor's coverage away from the door stops outsiders from setting off the REX.

Which factor most directly determines how many days of video a network video recorder (NVR) can keep?

Answer: Storage capacity together with bitrate (resolution, frame rate, compression)

Retention depends on total storage divided by the combined data rate, which is driven by resolution, frame rate, and compression.

Visitors at a corporate headquarters should be identifiable and limited to approved areas. Which practice best supports this?

Answer: Issuing time-limited visitor badges with escort requirements and access logged in a visitor management system

Expiring, clearly marked visitor credentials, combined with escorts and electronic logging, control and record visitor movement.