Question 445 of 1,152
Security OperationshardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is a mantrap and a door position sensor. A mantrap, typically a small vestibule with two interlocking doors, physically prevents tailgating by ensuring only one person can enter at a time, as the second door will not unlock until the first is fully closed. A door position sensor, often a magnetic reed switch or an integrated alarm contact, detects when a door is forced open or left ajar and immediately triggers an alert to security, often through a SIEM or local alarm panel. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical access controls under Domain 2 (Architecture and Design), specifically contrasting deterrent, detective, and preventive measures. A common trap is choosing a simple access control badge reader or a CCTV camera, which only logs or deters but does not prevent follow-on entry or provide real-time forced-open alerts. Remember the mnemonic “Mantrap for the Map, Sensor for the Slam”—mantraps map out sequential entry to stop piggybacking, while door position sensors slam an alert when the door is compromised.

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 records room has repeated tailgating after hours and occasional door propping during deliveries. Management wants one control that prevents follow-on entry and another that immediately alerts security if the door is forced open or left ajar. Which two controls best meet the need? Select two.

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.

  • Clue: "immediately / without restart"

    Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.

Question 1hardmulti select
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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

Install a mantrap at the room entrance.

A mantrap (option A) prevents tailgating by requiring one door to close before the next can open, effectively stopping follow-on entry. A door position sensor (option B) detects when the door is forced open or left ajar and triggers an immediate alert to security via an alarm or SIEM integration, meeting the requirement for real-time notification.

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 at the room entrance.

    Why this is correct

    A mantrap allows only one person or credentialed entry at a time, which directly reduces tailgating.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue words "best", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • Add a door position sensor tied to an alarm or SIEM alert.

    Why this is correct

    A sensor can alert security quickly if the door is forced open or remains open longer than allowed.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue words "best", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • Place a larger warning sign on the wall beside the door.

    Why it's wrong here

    Signs may deter some behavior, but they do not physically stop tailgating or create reliable alerts.

  • Mount a visible camera over the door only.

    Why it's wrong here

    Cameras are useful for evidence, but they do not prevent entry and may not alert anyone in real time.

  • Replace the mechanical lock with the same type of lock and no monitoring.

    Why it's wrong here

    A basic lock without monitoring does not address tailgating, door propping, or timely alerting.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates often choose a camera (option D) thinking it provides real-time alerting, but a standard visible camera without integrated analytics does not automatically alert on door status—it only records footage for later review.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

A mantrap typically uses interlocked doors with access control readers (e.g., RFID or biometric) and sensors that enforce a 'one-person-per-authentication' rule; if the first door is opened without authorization, the second door remains locked. Door position sensors (e.g., magnetic reed switches or Hall effect sensors) are connected to an alarm panel or SIEM via a supervised circuit (e.g., 2-wire with end-of-line resistor) to detect tampering or open-door events, triggering an immediate alert (e.g., SNMP trap or email) to security operations.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this SY0-701 question test?

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 at the room entrance. — A mantrap (option A) prevents tailgating by requiring one door to close before the next can open, effectively stopping follow-on entry. A door position sensor (option B) detects when the door is forced open or left ajar and triggers an immediate alert to security via an alarm or SIEM integration, meeting the requirement for real-time notification.

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", "immediately / without restart". 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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026

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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.