The answer is to attach a cable lock to the laptop. A cable lock physically secures the device to an immovable object like a desk, creating a strong deterrent against opportunistic theft by making it difficult to quickly remove the laptop. This question tests your understanding of physical security controls for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, specifically distinguishing between access controls (like door locks) and asset-level theft prevention. A common trap is assuming a locked door alone is sufficient, but the exam emphasizes layered security—cable locks provide that secondary defense even if an unauthorized person enters the room. For the test, remember the mnemonic “Lock the door, then lock the laptop” to recall that cable locks protect the device itself, not just the room.
220-1102 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 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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
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.
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.
✗
Use a smart card reader on the door
Why it's wrong here
A smart card reader controls access but does not physically secure the laptop itself.
✗
Install a security camera in the hallway
Why it's wrong here
Cameras are deterrents and forensic tools, but they do not prevent the physical removal of a device.
✓
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
Why this is correct
A cable lock anchors the laptop to a fixed object, making theft much harder and time-consuming.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable BitLocker on the laptop
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker protects data if the laptop is stolen, but does not prevent the physical theft.
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 — 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.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A customer reports that their laptop was stolen from their desk over the weekend. The laptop contained sensitive client data. Which physical security control should have been implemented to prevent this theft?
easy
A.Biometric authentication
✓ B.Cable lock
C.Full disk encryption
D.Smart card reader
Why B: Cable locks are a simple and effective physical security control to prevent laptop theft by securing the device to a desk or fixed object. This scenario tests the understanding of basic physical deterrents against opportunistic theft in an office environment.
Variation 2. A user reports that their laptop was stolen from their desk overnight. The security team reviews badge logs and finds no after-hours access to the floor. What physical security control should be implemented to prevent this from recurring?
easy
A.Install a biometric fingerprint reader on the laptop.
B.Require a smart card to log in to the laptop.
✓ C.Use a cable lock to secure the laptop to the desk.
D.Enable full-disk encryption on the laptop.
Why C: Cable locks are simple, effective physical security controls that deter theft by anchoring portable devices to a fixed object. This scenario tests the understanding of basic physical security measures for endpoint devices.
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.