SSP Physical Security Design & Implementation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary security advantage of using fiber optic cable for CCTV transmission over coaxial cable?
- Lower installation cost
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference and signal interception (Correct answer)
- Higher frame rate support
- Easier field splicing and repair
Correct answer: Immunity to electromagnetic interference and signal interception
Fiber optic cables transmit light, making them inherently immune to EMI and extremely difficult to tap without detection.
Question 2: Which architectural security concept uses building layout to guide visitors toward controlled entry points without relying on signage or guards?
- Territorial reinforcement
- Natural access control (Correct answer)
- Target hardening
- Activity support
Correct answer: Natural access control
Natural access control uses design elements like landscaping, fencing, and pathways to channelize movement toward designated entry points.
Question 3: A security director wants to replace a card reader system that has been cloned by attackers. The BEST replacement technology to prevent credential cloning is:
- Proximity (125 kHz) cards
- Smart cards using mutual authentication (e.g., OSDP with 13.56 MHz) (Correct answer)
- Magnetic stripe cards with PIN
- Wiegand protocol readers
Correct answer: Smart cards using mutual authentication (e.g., OSDP with 13.56 MHz)
13.56 MHz smart cards with mutual authentication (e.g., SEOS, PIV) encrypt the credential exchange, preventing the passive cloning possible with 125 kHz prox cards.
Question 4: The ASTM F2656 standard is used to classify vehicle crash barriers based on:
- Weather resistance and corrosion protection ratings
- Vehicle speed, mass, and maximum penetration distance (Correct answer)
- Aesthetic design and landscaping compatibility
- Electrical power consumption at rated load
Correct answer: Vehicle speed, mass, and maximum penetration distance
ASTM F2656 replaced the older K-rating system and rates barriers by the vehicle class (M), impact speed, and allowable penetration (P) in feet.
Question 5: In an integrated security system, the component that correlates alarms from multiple subsystems and presents a unified operational picture is called the:
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platform (Correct answer)
- Video Management System (VMS)
- Access Control Management System (ACMS)
- Intrusion Detection Panel (IDP)
Correct answer: Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platform
A PSIM integrates data from access control, video, intrusion, and other systems into one interface, enabling coordinated incident response.
Question 6: When planning security for a new construction project, at what phase should security requirements first be formally incorporated?
- Construction documents (CD) phase
- Schematic design (SD) phase (Correct answer)
- Certificate of occupancy phase
- Post-occupancy evaluation phase
Correct answer: Schematic design (SD) phase
Incorporating security requirements during schematic design is far less costly and more effective than retrofitting after construction documents are finalized.
Question 7: A Delay-Detect-Respond model assumes that a security system's effectiveness depends on the relationship where:
- Detection time must equal response time
- Delay time must exceed the sum of detection time and response time (Correct answer)
- Response time must be faster than the threat actor's speed
- Detection must occur before any delay mechanisms are triggered
Correct answer: Delay time must exceed the sum of detection time and response time
Effective physical security requires that barriers delay an adversary longer than it takes to detect and respond, expressed as D > (D + R).
SSP Physical Security Design & Implementation 4
What is the primary security advantage of using fiber optic cable for CCTV transmission over coaxial cable?