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220-1102 Practice Question: During a security audit, you discover that a…
During a security audit, you discover that a supply closet containing spare hard drives has a door that can be opened with a standard paperclip. What is the most appropriate recommendation to address this vulnerability?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between deterrent controls (signs, cameras) and preventive controls (locks, access control systems), leading candidates to choose a visible but ineffective option like a warning sign instead of a technical fix.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Upgrade the lock to a tamper-resistant electronic lock.
The vulnerability is a weak physical lock that can be bypassed with a simple tool. Upgrading to a tamper-resistant electronic lock, such as one with a keypad or biometric reader, significantly increases the difficulty of unauthorized entry. This directly addresses the core issue of inadequate access control for sensitive assets like spare hard drives.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the door with a solid-core door and install a deadbolt.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the door with a solid-core door and installing a deadbolt primarily enhances resistance against forced entry methods, such as kicking or prying. However, the discovery of a 'paperclip vulnerability' indicates a flaw in the lock's internal mechanism that allows it to be bypassed, not that the door itself is weak or that the bolt is insufficient. This solution would not address the fundamental issue of the lock's susceptibility to non-destructive manipulation.
- ✗
Install a privacy filter on the closet door window.
Why it's wrong here
Installing a privacy filter on a closet door window is designed to obscure visibility into the closet, preventing visual reconnaissance or 'shoulder surfing' of its contents. Privacy filters are typically applied to electronic displays to restrict viewing angles. This measure offers no physical security against unauthorized entry and does not mitigate a lock's vulnerability to bypass with a simple tool like a paperclip, as it provides no physical barrier.
- ✓
Upgrade the lock to a tamper-resistant electronic lock.
Why this is correct
Upgrading to a tamper-resistant electronic lock directly addresses the 'paperclip vulnerability' by replacing or augmenting the susceptible mechanical components with secure electronic mechanisms. These locks often utilize digital authentication methods (e.g., keypads, RFID, biometrics) and are engineered to resist manipulation and bypass attempts that exploit traditional lock-picking techniques. This solution provides a robust physical security control specifically designed to prevent unauthorized access through lock compromise.
- ✗
Place a sign on the door warning of security cameras.
Why it's wrong here
Placing a sign on the door warning of security cameras serves as a psychological deterrent, aiming to discourage potential intruders by indicating active surveillance. While deterrence is a valuable component of a comprehensive security strategy, it does not provide a physical barrier or directly mitigate a known lock vulnerability. A sign does not prevent someone from physically bypassing the lock with a paperclip if they choose to ignore the warning.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Security Features
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.