- A
Biometric authentication
Why wrong: Biometric authentication controls access to the device but does not physically prevent the laptop from being taken.
- B
Cable lock
A cable lock physically secures the laptop to a desk, making theft much more difficult and time-consuming.
- C
Full disk encryption
Why wrong: Full disk encryption protects data if the device is stolen but does not prevent the theft itself.
- D
Smart card reader
Why wrong: A smart card reader controls logical access to the system but does not physically secure the laptop.
Question 5 of 750
220-1202 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. 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 customer reports that their laptop was stolen from their desk over the weekend. The laptop contained sensitive client data. Which physical security control should have been implemented to prevent this theft?
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
✓
Cable lock
A cable lock is a physical security control that physically secures the laptop to a desk or immovable object, preventing unauthorized removal. In this scenario, the laptop was stolen from the desk, so a cable lock would have directly prevented the theft by tethering the device in place.
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.
- ✗
Biometric authentication
Why it's wrong here
Biometric authentication controls access to the device but does not physically prevent the laptop from being taken.
- ✓
Cable lock
Why this is correct
A cable lock physically secures the laptop to a desk, making theft much more difficult and time-consuming.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Full disk encryption
Why it's wrong here
Full disk encryption protects data if the device is stolen but does not prevent the theft itself.
- ✗
Smart card reader
Why it's wrong here
A smart card reader controls logical access to the system but does not physically secure the laptop.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between physical security controls that prevent theft (like cable locks) versus controls that protect data after theft (like encryption), leading candidates to confuse data protection with physical prevention.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cable locks typically use a Kensington Security Slot (K-Slot) built into many laptops, where a steel cable is looped around a fixed object and locked with a key or combination. Even if the cable is cut with bolt cutters, the lock itself provides a significant deterrent and delay, often enough to trigger alarms or alert security personnel in a corporate environment.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 220-1202 question test?
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cable lock — A cable lock is a physical security control that physically secures the laptop to a desk or immovable object, preventing unauthorized removal. In this scenario, the laptop was stolen from the desk, so a cable lock would have directly prevented the theft by tethering the device in place.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
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