The answer is a biometric lock. This is the correct choice because biometric locks authenticate users through unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, retinal patterns, or hand geometry, completely eliminating the need for physical tokens like keys or cards that can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of physical security controls and their trade-offs; a common trap is choosing a cipher lock, which requires a code that can be shared or forgotten, whereas biometrics tie access directly to the individual. When comparing a biometric lock vs key card vs cipher lock for server room access, remember that biometrics offer the highest assurance against lost credentials. Memory tip: think “Bio = Body” — if the access method uses a body part, it can’t be left on a desk.
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 small office wants to restrict access to the server room to only authorized IT staff. They need a solution that does not require keys or cards that can be lost. Which physical security control should they implement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Biometric lock
Biometric locks use unique physical characteristics like fingerprints, eliminating the need for keys or cards that can be lost or stolen. This question tests knowledge of access control methods that combine security with convenience.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Keyed lock
Why it's wrong here
Keyed locks require physical keys that can be lost, duplicated, or stolen, which does not meet the requirement.
✗
Proximity card reader
Why it's wrong here
Proximity cards can be lost or stolen, failing the requirement to avoid lost credentials.
✓
Biometric lock
Why this is correct
Biometric locks use fingerprints or other unique traits, so no keys or cards are needed, meeting the requirement perfectly.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Cipher lock
Why it's wrong here
Cipher locks use a keypad code, which can be shared or forgotten, and still relies on a code rather than a physical credential.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Biometric lock — Biometric locks use unique physical characteristics like fingerprints, eliminating the need for keys or cards that can be lost or stolen. This question tests knowledge of access control methods that combine security with convenience.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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