The answer is a tamper-evident seal, because it provides a clear, visible indicator if a server chassis has been opened without authorization. Unlike active locks or alarms, tamper-evident seals are a passive physical security control; they do not prevent access but instead reveal that a breach has occurred by showing signs of removal, such as tearing, discoloration, or a broken pattern. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical security controls versus logical ones, and a common trap is confusing tamper-evident seals with tamper-resistant hardware like locked chassis screws—remember, seals detect, they don’t deter. A useful memory tip is to think of a tamper-evident seal as a “silent witness” that tells you if someone has been inside the server, making it ideal for auditing physical integrity after the fact.
220-1102 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 data center manager wants to implement a physical security control that can detect if a server chassis has been opened without authorization. Which control should they use?
Why wrong: An IDS monitors network traffic, not physical chassis openings; it is a logical, not physical, control.
B
Chassis intrusion switch
Why wrong: A chassis intrusion switch can detect when the case is opened, but it requires a connection to the motherboard and may be bypassed if the system is off; tamper-evident seals are more reliable for detection.
C
Tamper-evident seals
Tamper-evident seals are placed over chassis screws or seams; any attempt to open the case will break or distort the seal, providing clear evidence of tampering.
D
Video surveillance
Why wrong: Cameras can record incidents but do not directly detect chassis opening; they require active monitoring and review.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Tamper-evident seals
Tamper-evident seals show visible signs of removal or tampering, indicating unauthorized access to the server chassis. This is a passive but effective control for detecting physical breaches after they occur.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS) on the network
Why it's wrong here
An IDS monitors network traffic, not physical chassis openings; it is a logical, not physical, control.
✗
Chassis intrusion switch
Why it's wrong here
A chassis intrusion switch can detect when the case is opened, but it requires a connection to the motherboard and may be bypassed if the system is off; tamper-evident seals are more reliable for detection.
✓
Tamper-evident seals
Why this is correct
Tamper-evident seals are placed over chassis screws or seams; any attempt to open the case will break or distort the seal, providing clear evidence of tampering.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Video surveillance
Why it's wrong here
Cameras can record incidents but do not directly detect chassis opening; they require active monitoring and review.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tamper-evident seals — Tamper-evident seals show visible signs of removal or tampering, indicating unauthorized access to the server chassis. This is a passive but effective control for detecting physical breaches after they occur.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 →
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.