- A
Enable secure print release with a PIN
Why wrong: This controls document release but does not protect the stored data on the hard drive from physical theft.
- B
Encrypt the printer's hard drive
Why wrong: Encryption protects data if the drive is stolen, but does not prevent the drive from being physically removed.
- C
Place the printer in a locked room
Physical access control prevents unauthorized individuals from tampering with or stealing the printer's hard drive.
- D
Use a cable lock on the printer
Why wrong: Cable locks deter theft of the whole device but do not secure the hard drive from removal if the device is accessed.
Question 409 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 technician is tasked with securing a shared office printer that stores sensitive documents on its hard drive. The printer is in an open area. Which physical security measure should be prioritized to protect the data on the printer?
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
✓
Place the printer in a locked room
Option C is correct because the most effective physical security measure to protect sensitive data on a printer's hard drive in an open area is to control physical access to the device itself. Placing the printer in a locked room prevents unauthorized individuals from physically removing the hard drive or accessing the printer's internal components, which is the primary threat in an open area. While encryption and secure release are important, they do not mitigate the risk of physical theft or tampering with the storage medium.
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.
- ✗
Enable secure print release with a PIN
Why it's wrong here
This controls document release but does not protect the stored data on the hard drive from physical theft.
- ✗
Encrypt the printer's hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data if the drive is stolen, but does not prevent the drive from being physically removed.
- ✓
Place the printer in a locked room
Why this is correct
Physical access control prevents unauthorized individuals from tampering with or stealing the printer's hard drive.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a cable lock on the printer
Why it's wrong here
Cable locks deter theft of the whole device but do not secure the hard drive from removal if the device is accessed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the principle that physical security controls must address the most direct threat vector; the trap here is that candidates confuse data-at-rest protections (encryption) with physical access controls, failing to recognize that encryption does not prevent physical theft or tampering with the storage medium.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Printer hard drives often store spooled print jobs, scanned documents, and cached data in unencrypted formats unless specifically configured. In many enterprise printers, the hard drive is a standard SATA or SSD that can be removed with basic tools, making physical access the highest risk. Even with full-disk encryption (FDE) enabled, the decryption key is typically stored in the printer's volatile memory, which can be compromised if an attacker gains physical access to the motherboard.
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.
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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: Place the printer in a locked room — Option C is correct because the most effective physical security measure to protect sensitive data on a printer's hard drive in an open area is to control physical access to the device itself. Placing the printer in a locked room prevents unauthorized individuals from physically removing the hard drive or accessing the printer's internal components, which is the primary threat in an open area. While encryption and secure release are important, they do not mitigate the risk of physical theft or tampering with the storage medium.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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