The correct combination is a cable lock and full-disk encryption because they address two distinct layers of the threat: physical theft of the hardware and unauthorized access to the data. A cable lock physically anchors the workstation to a desk, preventing an attacker from easily removing the entire hard drive, while full-disk encryption (such as BitLocker) renders the data on the drive unreadable if it is stolen or removed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of layered security controls—a common trap is choosing only one control, like encryption alone, which protects data but does not stop the drive from being taken. Remember the memory tip: “Lock it, then block it”—the cable lock secures the hardware, and encryption blocks access to the data.
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 company experiences a data breach after an attacker physically removes a hard drive from an unsecured workstation. The workstation was in a public area. Which combination of physical and logical controls would have best prevented this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Why wrong: A BIOS password prevents booting but does not encrypt the drive; data can still be read if the drive is removed.
B
Cable lock and full-disk encryption
The cable lock deters theft; full-disk encryption ensures data is unreadable if the drive is stolen.
C
Security camera and Windows password
Why wrong: Cameras record but don't prevent theft; a Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive.
D
Proximity card reader and screen lock
Why wrong: Proximity readers control access to the area, but the workstation itself is not physically secured; screen lock is easily bypassed with drive removal.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cable lock and full-disk encryption
Preventing physical theft requires both a physical lock (cable lock) to secure the device and full-disk encryption (like BitLocker) to protect data if the drive is removed. This is a layered approach.
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.
✗
Cable lock and BIOS password
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS password prevents booting but does not encrypt the drive; data can still be read if the drive is removed.
✓
Cable lock and full-disk encryption
Why this is correct
The cable lock deters theft; full-disk encryption ensures data is unreadable if the drive is stolen.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Cameras record but don't prevent theft; a Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive.
✗
Proximity card reader and screen lock
Why it's wrong here
Proximity readers control access to the area, but the workstation itself is not physically secured; screen lock is easily bypassed with drive removal.
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.
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 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 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: Cable lock and full-disk encryption — Preventing physical theft requires both a physical lock (cable lock) to secure the device and full-disk encryption (like BitLocker) to protect data if the drive is removed. This is a layered approach.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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