SSCP Certification SSCP Physical Security Controls 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main difference between a deterrent and a preventive physical security control?
- Deterrents are always electronic; preventive controls are always physical
- Deterrents discourage attacks; preventive controls physically stop them (Correct answer)
- Preventive controls are more expensive than deterrents
- Deterrents are only used outdoors
Correct answer: Deterrents discourage attacks; preventive controls physically stop them
Deterrent controls (such as warning signs or visible cameras) discourage potential attackers, while preventive controls (such as locks or barriers) physically prevent unauthorized access.
Question 2: Which environmental control is critical for preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to hardware in a data center?
- Positive air pressure
- Humidity control (Correct answer)
- Hot/cold aisle containment
- Raised flooring
Correct answer: Humidity control
Maintaining relative humidity between approximately 40–60% prevents the buildup of static electricity that can cause electrostatic discharge and damage sensitive electronic components.
Question 3: What is the purpose of hot aisle/cold aisle containment in a data center?
- Separate server racks by security clearance level
- Improve cooling efficiency by directing airflow predictably (Correct answer)
- Prevent unauthorized physical access to servers
- Reduce fire risk by isolating heat sources
Correct answer: Improve cooling efficiency by directing airflow predictably
Hot aisle/cold aisle containment organizes server racks so cold air intake and hot air exhaust face consistent directions, maximizing cooling efficiency and preventing recirculation.
Question 4: What physical security measure involves examining trash and discarded materials to find sensitive information?
- Tailgating
- Shoulder surfing
- Dumpster diving (Correct answer)
- Piggyback attack
Correct answer: Dumpster diving
Dumpster diving is the practice of searching through trash to find discarded documents, storage media, or other items that may contain sensitive or exploitable information.
Question 5: Which type of lock provides the highest resistance to lock-picking attacks among the options listed?
- Standard pin tumbler lock
- Wafer lock
- High-security disc-detainer lock (Correct answer)
- Cam lock
Correct answer: High-security disc-detainer lock
High-security disc-detainer locks use rotating discs instead of pins, making them significantly more resistant to picking, drilling, and other physical bypass techniques.
Question 6: In physical security, what does CPTED stand for and what is its goal?
- Critical Physical Technology for Electronic Defense — to harden server rooms
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design — to reduce crime opportunity through design (Correct answer)
- Centralized Physical Threat Evaluation Database — to log security incidents
- Computer Physical Testing and Evaluation Design — to assess hardware security
Correct answer: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design — to reduce crime opportunity through design
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) uses architectural and environmental features like lighting, sight lines, and landscaping to naturally deter criminal activity.
SSCP Certification SSCP Physical Security Controls 2
What is the main difference between a deterrent and a preventive physical security control?