The answer is a mantrap, which is the correct physical access control to prevent tailgating into a restricted area. A mantrap works by creating a small vestibule with two interlocking doors that only allow one person to pass at a time, effectively eliminating unauthorized follow-on entry by trapping or identifying anyone attempting to slip through behind an authorized user. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical security controls under Domain 2 (Architecture and Design), often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose the best deterrent against piggybacking or tailgating. A common trap is confusing a mantrap with a simple turnstile or access badge reader, but remember that only a mantrap physically isolates each individual in a separate chamber. Memory tip: think “man-trap” as in “one man, one trap”—it catches the follower, not just the follower’s badge.
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.
Exhibit
Facility Access Log
Location: Records Room Door 3
08:11 Badge ID 1441 Granted
08:11 Door Opened
08:12 Door Held Open Alarm Cleared
08:12 Badge ID 1441 Granted
08:12 Door Opened
Camera Note: 'Unknown person followed employee through the door.'
Based on the exhibit, which control would best reduce unauthorized follow-on entry into the records room?
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.
Facility Access Log
Location: Records Room Door 3
08:11 Badge ID 1441 Granted
08:11 Door Opened
08:12 Door Held Open Alarm Cleared
08:12 Badge ID 1441 Granted
08:12 Door Opened
Camera Note: 'Unknown person followed employee through the door.'
A
Install a mantrap so only one person can pass through at a time.
A mantrap is designed to prevent tailgating and piggybacking by controlling one person through an entry point at a time. The exhibit shows someone followed an authorized employee into a sensitive room after the badge granted access. A mantrap directly addresses that weakness and is a common physical-security control for restricted areas.
B
Add more network firewall rules around the records room door.
Why wrong: Firewall rules protect network traffic, not physical entry through a doorway.
C
Increase the screen lock timeout on nearby workstations.
Why wrong: Screen lock settings help endpoint security but do not stop tailgating into a secure room.
D
Replace the UPS batteries to stop unauthorized people from entering.
Why wrong: Power protection is important for availability, but it does not address physical access control.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install a mantrap so only one person can pass through at a time.
A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of a small space with two interlocking doors, designed to allow only one person to pass at a time. This prevents tailgating and piggybacking, which are common methods of unauthorized follow-on entry into a restricted area like a records room.
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.
✓
Install a mantrap so only one person can pass through at a time.
Why this is correct
A mantrap is designed to prevent tailgating and piggybacking by controlling one person through an entry point at a time. The exhibit shows someone followed an authorized employee into a sensitive room after the badge granted access. A mantrap directly addresses that weakness and is a common physical-security control for restricted areas.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add more network firewall rules around the records room door.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules protect network traffic, not physical entry through a doorway.
✗
Increase the screen lock timeout on nearby workstations.
Why it's wrong here
Screen lock settings help endpoint security but do not stop tailgating into a secure room.
✗
Replace the UPS batteries to stop unauthorized people from entering.
Why it's wrong here
Power protection is important for availability, but it does not address physical access control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse logical access controls (firewall rules, screen lock timeouts) or power-related controls (UPS) with physical access controls, failing to recognize that the question specifically targets unauthorized follow-on entry through a physical door.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A mantrap typically uses electronic access control systems (e.g., card readers or biometrics) on both doors, with sensors and logic that prevent the second door from opening until the first door is closed and locked. In high-security environments, weight sensors or video analytics can detect if more than one person enters the booth, triggering an alarm or locking both doors.
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 security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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: Install a mantrap so only one person can pass through at a time. — A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of a small space with two interlocking doors, designed to allow only one person to pass at a time. This prevents tailgating and piggybacking, which are common methods of unauthorized follow-on entry into a restricted area like a records room.
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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