The answer is a Kensington lock, also known as a cable lock, because it provides a lightweight, portable physical security control that directly addresses the threat of opportunistic theft in public spaces like coffee shops. This security measure works by tethering the laptop to a fixed object, such as a heavy table or desk leg, making it difficult for a thief to quickly grab the device and flee with sensitive customer data. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical security controls for mobile devices, often contrasting cable locks with heavier options like laptop safes or less practical measures like biometric readers in shared environments. A common trap is choosing a complex solution like full-disk encryption, which protects data after theft but does not prevent the physical loss of the hardware itself. Remember the memory tip: “Lock the link, not just the data” — a cable lock secures the device physically, while encryption secures the data logically.
220-1202 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A technician is deploying laptops for a sales team that works remotely from coffee shops and client sites. The laptops contain sensitive customer data. Which physical security control is most practical for these mobile devices?
Why wrong: Tracking software helps recover a stolen laptop but does not prevent the theft from occurring.
B
Use a biometric fingerprint reader on the laptop
Why wrong: Biometrics control logical access but do not physically secure the device from being taken.
C
Require a smart card for login
Why wrong: Smart cards authenticate the user but offer no physical theft deterrence.
D
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
A cable lock physically anchors the laptop to a table or desk, making it difficult to steal, which is the most practical physical control for mobile devices.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
For mobile devices, a Kensington lock (cable lock) is a standard, lightweight physical security measure that can be used in various locations to tether the laptop to a fixed object, deterring opportunistic theft.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 laptop tracking software
Why it's wrong here
Tracking software helps recover a stolen laptop but does not prevent the theft from occurring.
✗
Use a biometric fingerprint reader on the laptop
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics control logical access but do not physically secure the device from being taken.
✗
Require a smart card for login
Why it's wrong here
Smart cards authenticate the user but offer no physical theft deterrence.
✓
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
Why this is correct
A cable lock physically anchors the laptop to a table or desk, making it difficult to steal, which is the most practical physical control for mobile devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach a cable lock to the laptop — For mobile devices, a Kensington lock (cable lock) is a standard, lightweight physical security measure that can be used in various locations to tether the laptop to a fixed object, deterring opportunistic theft.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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