The answer is a CCTV camera covering the entrance. This control is correct because it provides continuous monitoring and recording of activity, which both detects unauthorized entry in real time and creates a strong deterrent effect through the awareness of surveillance. Unlike passive measures such as locks or signs, CCTV offers forensic evidence and can be integrated with access control systems to alert security personnel of breaches, making it the most effective choice for detecting and discouraging unauthorized entry. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical security controls, specifically the difference between detective, deterrent, and preventive measures—a common trap is choosing a preventive control like a lock when the scenario explicitly asks for detection and deterrence. Remember the mnemonic “DAD” for physical controls: Deterrent, Detective, and Preventive—CCTV serves both the first two roles, while a lock is purely preventive.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 server room is sometimes left open while technicians carry equipment in and out. Which control best helps detect and discourage unauthorized entry?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A CCTV camera covering the entrance
A CCTV camera covering the entrance provides continuous monitoring and recording of activity, which both detects unauthorized entry in real time and creates a deterrent effect through the awareness of surveillance. Unlike passive measures, it offers forensic evidence and can be integrated with access control systems to alert security personnel of breaches.
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.
✗
A written reminder poster on the wall
Why it's wrong here
A poster may remind staff, but it does not monitor or deter entry effectively.
✓
A CCTV camera covering the entrance
Why this is correct
Video surveillance helps deter misuse and provides records if access must be reviewed later.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A brighter color for the server room door
Why it's wrong here
Changing the door color has no real security effect on unauthorized access.
✗
A larger monitor in the nearby office
Why it's wrong here
A larger monitor does not control physical access or provide security monitoring.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse administrative controls like signage with detective controls, overlooking that only active surveillance (CCTV) provides both detection and deterrence for an unsecured physical entry point.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CCTV systems in server rooms often use motion detection and video analytics to trigger alerts when the door is opened outside of scheduled hours, and recordings are typically retained for 30-90 days for forensic review. In a real-world scenario, a technician leaving the door open could be identified via timestamped footage, allowing security to correlate the event with access logs from a badge reader or biometric system.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A CCTV camera covering the entrance — A CCTV camera covering the entrance provides continuous monitoring and recording of activity, which both detects unauthorized entry in real time and creates a deterrent effect through the awareness of surveillance. Unlike passive measures, it offers forensic evidence and can be integrated with access control systems to alert security personnel of breaches.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
Question Discussion
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