The answer is to upgrade the lock to a tamper-resistant electronic lock. This is the correct recommendation because a standard lock that can be opened with a paperclip lacks any physical security mechanism to prevent bypass attacks, whereas a tamper-resistant electronic lock is specifically designed to resist such simple manipulation, often requiring a keycard, code, or biometric input. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of physical security controls under Domain 3.0 (Operational Procedures), and a common trap is confusing a privacy filter—which only prevents visual data theft—with a physical access control. The key distinction is that a tamper-resistant electronic lock directly addresses the vulnerability of unauthorized physical entry into a supply closet containing sensitive assets like spare hard drives. Memory tip: think “paperclip = physical bypass, so you need a physical barrier upgrade, not a visual one.”
220-1102 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 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?
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.
A privacy filter prevents shoulder surfing by limiting the viewing angle of a monitor, protecting sensitive data from being seen by unauthorized individuals. This scenario tests knowledge of visual data protection controls.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
While a deadbolt is stronger, a paperclip vulnerability suggests the lock itself is weak, not the door.
✗
Install a privacy filter on the closet door window.
Why it's wrong here
Privacy filters are for monitors, not doors; they do not prevent physical entry.
✓
Upgrade the lock to a tamper-resistant electronic lock.
Why this is correct
An electronic lock with a secure mechanism prevents bypass with simple tools like a paperclip.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Place a sign on the door warning of security cameras.
Why it's wrong here
Signs are deterrents but do not physically prevent unauthorized access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Upgrade the lock to a tamper-resistant electronic lock. — A privacy filter prevents shoulder surfing by limiting the viewing angle of a monitor, protecting sensitive data from being seen by unauthorized individuals. This scenario tests knowledge of visual data protection controls.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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