- A
Install a laptop tracking software
Why wrong: Tracking software helps recover a stolen laptop but does not prevent the theft from occurring.
- B
Use a biometric fingerprint reader on the laptop
Why wrong: Biometrics control logical access but do not physically secure the device from being taken.
- C
Require a smart card for login
Why wrong: Smart cards authenticate the user but offer no physical theft deterrence.
- D
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
A cable lock physically anchors the laptop to a table or desk, making it difficult to steal, which is the most practical physical control for mobile devices.
Question 498 of 750
Kensington Lock: Lightweight Security for Remote Workers
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 deploying laptops for a sales team that works remotely from coffee shops and client sites. The laptops contain sensitive customer data. Which physical security control is most practical for these mobile devices?
Quick Answer
The answer is a Kensington lock, also known as a cable lock, because it provides a lightweight, portable physical security control that directly addresses the threat of opportunistic theft in public spaces like coffee shops. This security measure works by tethering the laptop to a fixed object, such as a heavy table or desk leg, making it difficult for a thief to quickly grab the device and flee with sensitive customer data. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical security controls for mobile devices, often contrasting cable locks with heavier options like laptop safes or less practical measures like biometric readers in shared environments. A common trap is choosing a complex solution like full-disk encryption, which protects data after theft but does not prevent the physical loss of the hardware itself. Remember the memory tip: “Lock the link, not just the data” — a cable lock secures the device physically, while encryption secures the data logically.
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
✓
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
A cable lock is the most practical physical security control for mobile devices used in public spaces because it physically secures the laptop to a fixed object, preventing theft. Unlike software or authentication measures, a cable lock directly addresses the risk of the device being physically taken, which is the primary threat when working in coffee shops or client sites.
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.
- ✗
Install a laptop tracking software
Why it's wrong here
Tracking software helps recover a stolen laptop but does not prevent the theft from occurring.
- ✗
Use a biometric fingerprint reader on the laptop
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics control logical access but do not physically secure the device from being taken.
- ✗
Require a smart card for login
Why it's wrong here
Smart cards authenticate the user but offer no physical theft deterrence.
- ✓
Attach a cable lock to the laptop
Why this is correct
A cable lock physically anchors the laptop to a table or desk, making it difficult to steal, which is the most practical physical control for mobile devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The A+ exam often tests the distinction between physical security controls (like cable locks) and logical/authentication controls (like biometrics or smart cards), so the trap here is confusing authentication methods with physical theft prevention.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cable locks use a keyed or combination lock mechanism that loops a steel cable around a fixed object and secures it to a Kensington Security Slot (K-Slot) on the laptop. This physical deterrent is effective against opportunistic theft, as removing the lock requires significant force or specialized tools, making it impractical for a quick grab-and-go scenario in a public setting.
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: Attach a cable lock to the laptop — A cable lock is the most practical physical security control for mobile devices used in public spaces because it physically secures the laptop to a fixed object, preventing theft. Unlike software or authentication measures, a cable lock directly addresses the risk of the device being physically taken, which is the primary threat when working in coffee shops or client sites.
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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