CEH Social Engineering and Physical Security Practice Question
Which of the following is the BEST defense against tailgating attacks in a secure facility?
⚠ Common exam trap
EC-Council often tests the distinction between preventive, detective, and corrective controls; the trap here is that candidates mistake surveillance (CCTV) or logging (access logs) for active prevention, when only a mantrap provides a physical barrier that stops tailgating in real time.
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
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Implementing a mantrap at the entrance
A mantrap is a physical security access control system consisting of two interlocking doors that create a small vestibule. Only one door can be opened at a time, and authentication (e.g., keycard + biometric) is required to pass through both. This design physically prevents an unauthorized person from following an authorized person into the facility, directly mitigating tailgating attacks by enforcing strict one-person-per-authentication entry.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Hiring security guards
Why it's wrong here
Hiring security guards, while providing a human presence, is not the best defense against tailgating because guards are susceptible to social engineering tactics, distractions, or simply human error. A determined tailgater can exploit these vulnerabilities through pretexting, creating a diversion, or relying on the guard's courtesy, making this a reactive and inconsistent control rather than a foolproof preventative measure against unauthorized entry.
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Reviewing keycard access logs
Why it's wrong here
Reviewing keycard access logs serves as an auditing and forensic tool, documenting who entered and when, which is crucial for post-incident analysis and accountability. However, logs do not prevent tailgating in real-time; they only provide evidence that an unauthorized entry has occurred after the fact. By the time logs are reviewed, the security breach has already taken place, rendering this option ineffective as a primary preventative defense.
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Installing CCTV cameras
Why it's wrong here
Installing CCTV cameras provides valuable surveillance and recording capabilities, which can deter some unauthorized activity and offer crucial evidence for investigations after a security incident. Nevertheless, CCTV systems do not physically prevent an individual from tailgating. They merely monitor and record the event, requiring human intervention or subsequent action to address the breach, rather than actively blocking unauthorized access at the point of entry.
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Implementing a mantrap at the entrance
Why this is correct
Implementing a mantrap at the entrance is the most effective defense because it is a physical security mechanism designed specifically to prevent tailgating. A mantrap consists of two interlocking doors, where the first door must close and lock before the second door can open, typically allowing only one person to pass through at a time after successful authentication. This physically enforces single-person entry, making it virtually impossible for a second individual to follow an authorized person into a restricted area.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH exam.