PSC Security Technology & Integration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'false positive' mean in the context of intrusion detection systems?
- A system correctly identifying a real intrusion
- An alarm triggered by a non-threatening condition, such as an animal or wind movement (Correct answer)
- A system that fails to detect a real intrusion
- A camera with a faulty lens
Correct answer: An alarm triggered by a non-threatening condition, such as an animal or wind movement
A false positive occurs when an IDS generates an alarm in the absence of an actual threat, such as from wildlife, weather, or equipment vibration.
Question 2: Which standard is widely referenced for the installation and performance of electronic security systems in the US?
- ISO 9001
- NFPA 731 (Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems) (Correct answer)
- ANSI Z400
- OSHA 1926
Correct answer: NFPA 731 (Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems)
NFPA 731 provides guidelines for the installation of electronic premises security systems, including intrusion, access control, and video surveillance components.
Question 3: What is 'tailgating' in physical security and how does technology help prevent it?
- Unauthorized vehicle following; prevented by speed bumps
- An unauthorized person following an authorized person through a secured door; prevented by mantrap portals or anti-passback access control (Correct answer)
- Employees using personal devices; prevented by Wi-Fi blocking
- Package delivery without sign-off; prevented by delivery lockers
Correct answer: An unauthorized person following an authorized person through a secured door; prevented by mantrap portals or anti-passback access control
Tailgating is when an unauthorized individual follows an authorized person through a secured entry; mantrap portals and anti-passback features in access control systems help prevent this.
Question 4: What is the role of a PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) system?
- To process payroll for security personnel
- To integrate data from multiple disparate security systems into a unified interface for real-time situational awareness (Correct answer)
- To design building floor plans
- To manage vendor contracts
Correct answer: To integrate data from multiple disparate security systems into a unified interface for real-time situational awareness
A PSIM integrates inputs from various security systems — cameras, alarms, access control — into a single interface, enhancing situational awareness and response coordination.
Question 5: Which access control technology uses a unique biometric identifier that cannot be lost or stolen?
- Magnetic stripe card
- PIN pad
- Fingerprint or iris scanner (Correct answer)
- Key fob
Correct answer: Fingerprint or iris scanner
Biometric systems like fingerprint or iris scanners authenticate based on unique physiological traits that cannot be lost, stolen, or shared like cards or PINs.
Question 6: What is the primary security concern when integrating physical security systems with IP networks?
- Increased electricity consumption
- Exposure to cyber vulnerabilities such as unauthorized remote access or data interception (Correct answer)
- Reduced camera resolution
- Higher maintenance costs
Correct answer: Exposure to cyber vulnerabilities such as unauthorized remote access or data interception
Connecting physical security devices to IP networks introduces cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized remote access, firmware exploits, and data interception.
PSC Security Technology & Integration 2
What does 'false positive' mean in the context of intrusion detection systems?