Question 279 of 495
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220-1202 Practice Question: A customer reports that their laptop was stolen…
A customer reports that their laptop was stolen from a locked office over the weekend. The office door uses a standard key lock, and the laptop was not physically secured. Which physical security control would have most likely prevented this theft?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Attach a cable lock to the laptop
This question tests knowledge of physical security controls that deter theft. A cable lock physically attaches the laptop to a desk, making it difficult to remove quickly. Key locks on doors alone are insufficient if someone gains access; cable locks provide a secondary layer of defense.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Use a smart card reader on the door
Why it's wrong here
Using a smart card reader on a door implements an access control mechanism, restricting entry to a physical space based on authentication credentials. While this enhances perimeter security by limiting who can enter the room where the laptop is located, it does not provide any direct physical security for the laptop itself once an authorized or unauthorized individual gains entry. The device remains physically unsecured and vulnerable to removal.
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Install a security camera in the hallway
Why it's wrong here
Installing a security camera in the hallway serves primarily as a deterrent and a forensic tool, recording events for later review. Although cameras might discourage some opportunistic thieves due to the risk of identification, they do not physically prevent the act of theft or impede the removal of the laptop from the premises. Its utility is largely post-incident, aiding in investigation rather than prevention.
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Attach a cable lock to the laptop
Why this is correct
Attaching a cable lock directly to the laptop provides a robust physical security measure by anchoring the device to a fixed, immovable object. This significantly impedes the physical removal of the laptop, making it much harder and more time-consuming for a thief to steal without specialized tools or causing noticeable damage. It directly prevents the easy physical displacement of the asset.
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Enable BitLocker on the laptop
Why it's wrong here
Enabling BitLocker on the laptop is a logical security control focused on data encryption, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of information stored on the device's hard drive. While crucial for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data if the laptop is lost or stolen, it offers no physical barrier or deterrent against the actual theft of the hardware itself. The laptop can still be physically removed, even if its data is encrypted.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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