- A
Cable lock and BIOS password
Why wrong: A BIOS password prevents booting but does not encrypt the drive; data can still be read if the drive is removed.
- B
Cable lock and full-disk encryption
The cable lock deters theft; full-disk encryption ensures data is unreadable if the drive is stolen.
- C
Security camera and Windows password
Why wrong: Cameras record but don't prevent theft; a Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive.
- D
Proximity card reader and screen lock
Why wrong: Proximity readers control access to the area, but the workstation itself is not physically secured; screen lock is easily bypassed with drive removal.
Question 133 of 750
Cable Lock and Full-Disk Encryption to Prevent Hard Drive Theft
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company experiences a data breach after an attacker physically removes a hard drive from an unsecured workstation. The workstation was in a public area. Which combination of physical and logical controls would have best prevented this?
Quick Answer
The correct combination is a cable lock and full-disk encryption because they address two distinct layers of the threat: physical theft of the hardware and unauthorized access to the data. A cable lock physically anchors the workstation to a desk, preventing an attacker from easily removing the entire hard drive, while full-disk encryption (such as BitLocker) renders the data on the drive unreadable if it is stolen or removed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of layered security controls—a common trap is choosing only one control, like encryption alone, which protects data but does not stop the drive from being taken. Remember the memory tip: “Lock it, then block it”—the cable lock secures the hardware, and encryption blocks access to the data.
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 and full-disk encryption
Option B is correct because a cable lock physically secures the workstation to a fixed object, preventing the attacker from removing the hard drive, while full-disk encryption (FDE) renders the data on the drive unreadable even if the drive is physically removed. Together, they address both the physical theft vector and the data exposure risk, which a single control cannot achieve. Without FDE, a BIOS password or Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive and reading it from another system.
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.
- ✗
Cable lock and BIOS password
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS password prevents booting but does not encrypt the drive; data can still be read if the drive is removed.
- ✓
Cable lock and full-disk encryption
Why this is correct
The cable lock deters theft; full-disk encryption ensures data is unreadable if the drive is stolen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Security camera and Windows password
Why it's wrong here
Cameras record but don't prevent theft; a Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive.
- ✗
Proximity card reader and screen lock
Why it's wrong here
Proximity readers control access to the area, but the workstation itself is not physically secured; screen lock is easily bypassed with drive removal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap in this question is that candidates think a BIOS password or OS login password protects data at rest, when in fact these controls only protect the system while it is running and can be bypassed by removing the storage device.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Full-disk encryption (FDE) typically uses AES-256 encryption with a key stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or derived from a pre-boot authentication password; without the key, the drive's data appears as ciphertext. A cable lock (e.g., Kensington lock) uses a small slot on the chassis to anchor the device, requiring a key or combination to release. In a real-world scenario, even if an attacker cuts the cable, FDE ensures the stolen drive's data remains encrypted, whereas a BIOS password can be reset by clearing CMOS or removing the CMOS battery.
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 and full-disk encryption — Option B is correct because a cable lock physically secures the workstation to a fixed object, preventing the attacker from removing the hard drive, while full-disk encryption (FDE) renders the data on the drive unreadable even if the drive is physically removed. Together, they address both the physical theft vector and the data exposure risk, which a single control cannot achieve. Without FDE, a BIOS password or Windows password can be bypassed by removing the drive and reading it from another system.
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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