The answer is log review in a SIEM and security camera monitoring. Both are detective controls because they identify and document security events after they occur rather than preventing them. A SIEM aggregates logs from multiple sources, allowing analysts to review historical data for signs of compromise, while a security camera records physical activity for later forensic analysis. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish detective controls from preventive (e.g., firewalls) or deterrent controls (e.g., warning signs). A common trap is confusing camera monitoring with physical prevention—remember, a camera does not stop an intrusion; it only captures evidence. For the exam, think of detective controls as “after-the-fact witnesses” that provide proof and alerts. A helpful memory tip: “Detectives don’t stop the crime; they review the clues.”
SY0-701 General Security Concepts Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Security camera monitoring an entrance
Security camera monitoring an entrance is a detective control because it records events as they occur, providing evidence after the fact. It does not prevent unauthorized access but instead detects and documents incidents for review. This aligns with the detective control function of identifying and alerting on security events.
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.
✓
Security camera monitoring an entrance
Why this is correct
Cameras help observe and detect suspicious activity after it occurs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Log review in a SIEM
Why this is correct
SIEM review detects suspicious patterns by analyzing collected logs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Locked server rack
Why it's wrong here
A locked rack is mainly a preventive physical control that blocks access.
✗
Employee security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training is primarily administrative and preventive because it aims to stop mistakes.
✗
Disk encryption on a laptop
Why it's wrong here
Disk encryption is a preventive technical control that protects data if lost.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing preventive controls (like locks or encryption) with detective controls, as candidates often misclassify physical security measures as detective rather than preventive.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Detective controls operate by monitoring and logging events for later analysis, such as SIEM systems correlating logs from multiple sources to identify anomalies. Security cameras function similarly by capturing video footage that can be reviewed post-incident. In contrast, preventive controls like locks or encryption aim to stop incidents before they occur, while directive controls like training set policy expectations.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Security camera monitoring an entrance — Security camera monitoring an entrance is a detective control because it records events as they occur, providing evidence after the fact. It does not prevent unauthorized access but instead detects and documents incidents for review. This aligns with the detective control function of identifying and alerting on security events.
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.
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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