SSCP Certification SSCP Physical Security Controls 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary security purpose of a mantrap (airlock) at a facility entrance?
- Detect explosives and weapons
- Prevent tailgating by allowing only one person to enter at a time (Correct answer)
- Monitor temperature and humidity
- Log employee work hours
Correct answer: Prevent tailgating by allowing only one person to enter at a time
A mantrap uses two interlocking doors so that only one can open at a time, preventing unauthorized individuals from following an authorized person into a secure area.
Question 2: Which physical security control uses infrared beams to detect motion or intrusion in a protected area?
- CCTV
- Passive infrared (PIR) sensor (Correct answer)
- Bollard
- Biometric reader
Correct answer: Passive infrared (PIR) sensor
PIR sensors detect changes in infrared radiation caused by moving warm objects (such as people), triggering an alarm when unauthorized movement is detected.
Question 3: What term describes the practice of following an authorized person through a secured door without using your own credentials?
- Shoulder surfing
- Dumpster diving
- Tailgating (Correct answer)
- Piggybacking
Correct answer: Tailgating
Tailgating (also called piggybacking) is the act of following closely behind an authorized person to gain unauthorized physical entry to a restricted area.
Question 4: Which type of fire suppression system is most appropriate for a data center to minimize equipment damage?
- Wet pipe sprinkler
- Dry pipe sprinkler
- Clean agent (e.g., FM-200) system (Correct answer)
- Foam deluge system
Correct answer: Clean agent (e.g., FM-200) system
Clean agent systems discharge a non-conductive gas or chemical that suppresses fire without damaging sensitive electronic equipment, making them ideal for data centers.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'clean desk policy' as a physical security control?
- Ensure equipment is properly cleaned to prevent static discharge
- Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information left unattended (Correct answer)
- Reduce clutter to improve productivity
- Comply with OSHA workplace safety requirements
Correct answer: Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information left unattended
A clean desk policy requires employees to clear sensitive documents and materials from their workstations when unattended, preventing unauthorized viewing or theft of information.
Question 6: Which physical security concept uses layers of controls so that defeating one control does not grant full access?
- Deterrence
- Defense in depth (Correct answer)
- Least privilege
- Security through obscurity
Correct answer: Defense in depth
Defense in depth applies multiple overlapping physical controls (fences, guards, locks, cameras) so an attacker must overcome each successive layer to reach a target.
SSCP Certification SSCP Physical Security Controls 1
What is the primary security purpose of a mantrap (airlock) at a facility entrance?