The correct answer is to use a degausser to erase the hard drives before disposal. Degaussing works by exposing magnetic storage media to a powerful, alternating magnetic field, which randomizes the magnetic domains on the platters and renders all previously stored data completely unrecoverable. This physical security control is essential because simply deleting files or formatting a drive leaves data remnants that can be recovered with forensic tools, as demonstrated by the breach scenario. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of proper disposal procedures within the full lifecycle of physical media security, often appearing in questions about decommissioning assets. A common trap is confusing degaussing with software-based wiping—remember that degaussing physically destroys the drive’s magnetic structure, making it unusable, while wiping preserves the drive for reuse. Memory tip: “Degauss to daze the data” — the magnetic field leaves the drive in a permanently blank state.
220-1202 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization experiences a data breach when an attacker physically removes hard drives from a decommissioned server that was placed in a storage area without being properly sanitized. What physical security control should have been implemented?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a degausser to erase the hard drives before disposal.
Proper disposal procedures, such as degaussing or physical destruction, ensure that data on decommissioned drives cannot be recovered. This scenario tests understanding of the full lifecycle of physical media security.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Install a surveillance camera in the storage area.
Why it's wrong here
Cameras can deter theft but do not protect the data if drives are taken; the data is still readable.
✗
Require a smart card to access the storage area.
Why it's wrong here
Access control limits who can enter but does not address the vulnerability of readable drives.
✓
Use a degausser to erase the hard drives before disposal.
Why this is correct
Degaussing renders the data unrecoverable, eliminating the risk even if drives are stolen.
Seals show if the server was opened but do not protect data on drives that are removed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Seals show if the server was opened but do not protect data on drives that are removed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a degausser to erase the hard drives before disposal. — Proper disposal procedures, such as degaussing or physical destruction, ensure that data on decommissioned drives cannot be recovered. This scenario tests understanding of the full lifecycle of physical media security.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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