The answer is defense in depth, because storing the key to a locked server room door in an unlocked drawer directly violates this principle. Defense in depth requires multiple, overlapping layers of security so that if one layer fails, others still protect the asset; by keeping the key accessible in an unlocked drawer, you effectively remove the door lock as a barrier, creating a single point of failure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of physical security controls and the common trap of assuming a single lock is sufficient—the exam often pairs this with questions about key management and tailgating. Remember the memory tip: “One lock, one key, one failure—defense in depth needs more than one layer to prevail.”
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.
During a security audit, you find that a server room door has a standard key lock, but the key is kept in an unlocked drawer nearby. Which physical security principle is being violated?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Defense in depth
The principle of defense in depth requires multiple layers of security. Storing the key in an unlocked drawer negates the door lock, creating a single point of failure. Proper key management is essential.
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.
✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is about granting minimal access rights; the issue here is poor key storage, not excessive permissions.
✓
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth means using multiple layers of security; storing the key insecurely removes the protection of the lock.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties divides tasks among multiple people; this scenario involves physical key management, not task division.
✗
Change management
Why it's wrong here
Change management controls modifications to systems; this is about physical access control, not changes.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Separation of duties divides tasks among multiple people; this scenario involves physical key management, not task division.
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: Defense in depth — The principle of defense in depth requires multiple layers of security. Storing the key in an unlocked drawer negates the door lock, creating a single point of failure. Proper key management is essential.
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.
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Question Discussion
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