- A
Closed-circuit television cameras, because they record the doorway for later review.
Why wrong: Cameras help with investigation, but they do not physically prevent two people from entering together.
- B
A mantrap, because it physically restricts entry to one person at a time.
A mantrap creates a controlled entry space that helps block tailgating and enforces single-person access after authentication.
- C
A motion sensor, because it can detect movement inside the room.
Why wrong: Motion sensors can alert staff, but they do not control access or stop someone from following another person in.
- D
A door closer, because it ensures the door automatically shuts after use.
Why wrong: A door closer improves door position control, but it does not reliably prevent a second person from entering behind someone.
Quick Answer
The answer is a mantrap, because it physically restricts entry to one person at a time. This control consists of a small enclosure with two interlocking doors, where the first door must close and lock before the second door can open, typically requiring separate authentication for each stage. By creating a buffer zone, a mantrap directly addresses tailgating prevention by trapping unauthorized individuals between the doors if they attempt to follow an authorized user. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical security controls under Domain 1.0, and a common trap is confusing a mantrap with a turnstile or a simple access control badge reader—turnstiles can be jumped, while a mantrap’s enclosed space makes bypassing far harder. For a memory tip, think “two doors, one person”: if both doors are ever open at the same time, the mantrap has failed.
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 branch office's network closet has repeated unauthorized access issues after staff badge in and hold the door for others. Management wants a control that allows one person through after valid badge use and helps prevent tailgating. Which control is best?
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 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
A mantrap, because it physically restricts entry to one person at a time.
A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of a small space with two interlocking doors, typically requiring authentication to enter and exit. It ensures that only one person can pass through at a time, effectively preventing tailgating by trapping unauthorized individuals between the doors if they attempt to follow an authorized user.
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.
- ✗
Closed-circuit television cameras, because they record the doorway for later review.
Why it's wrong here
Cameras help with investigation, but they do not physically prevent two people from entering together.
- ✓
A mantrap, because it physically restricts entry to one person at a time.
Why this is correct
A mantrap creates a controlled entry space that helps block tailgating and enforces single-person access after authentication.
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 motion sensor, because it can detect movement inside the room.
Why it's wrong here
Motion sensors can alert staff, but they do not control access or stop someone from following another person in.
- ✗
A door closer, because it ensures the door automatically shuts after use.
Why it's wrong here
A door closer improves door position control, but it does not reliably prevent a second person from entering behind someone.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls, leading candidates to choose CCTV because it is a common security measure, even though it does not actively prevent tailgating.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Mantraps often integrate with electronic access control systems (EACS) using protocols like Wiegand or OSDP for card reader communication, and they may include weight sensors or optical turnstiles to verify single-person occupancy. In high-security environments, mantraps can also incorporate biometric authentication and anti-passback logic to prevent badge sharing or reuse within a short time window.
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: A mantrap, because it physically restricts entry to one person at a time. — A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of a small space with two interlocking doors, typically requiring authentication to enter and exit. It ensures that only one person can pass through at a time, effectively preventing tailgating by trapping unauthorized individuals between the doors if they attempt to follow an authorized user.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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