- A
Intrusion detection system (IDS) on the network
Why wrong: An IDS monitors network traffic, not physical chassis openings; it is a logical, not physical, control.
- B
Chassis intrusion switch
Why wrong: A chassis intrusion switch can detect when the case is opened, but it requires a connection to the motherboard and may be bypassed if the system is off; tamper-evident seals are more reliable for detection.
- C
Tamper-evident seals
Tamper-evident seals are placed over chassis screws or seams; any attempt to open the case will break or distort the seal, providing clear evidence of tampering.
- D
Video surveillance
Why wrong: Cameras can record incidents but do not directly detect chassis opening; they require active monitoring and review.
Question 683 of 750
Tamper-Evident Seals: Detecting Unauthorized Server Access
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 data center manager wants to implement a physical security control that can detect if a server chassis has been opened without authorization. Which control should they use?
Quick Answer
The answer is a tamper-evident seal, because it provides a clear, visible indicator if a server chassis has been opened without authorization. Unlike active locks or alarms, tamper-evident seals are a passive physical security control; they do not prevent access but instead reveal that a breach has occurred by showing signs of removal, such as tearing, discoloration, or a broken pattern. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical security controls versus logical ones, and a common trap is confusing tamper-evident seals with tamper-resistant hardware like locked chassis screws—remember, seals detect, they don’t deter. A useful memory tip is to think of a tamper-evident seal as a “silent witness” that tells you if someone has been inside the server, making it ideal for auditing physical integrity after the fact.
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
✓
Tamper-evident seals
Tamper-evident seals are a physical security control that provide visual evidence of unauthorized access. When a server chassis is opened, the seal is broken, indicating tampering. This is the correct choice because the question specifically asks for a control that can detect if a chassis has been opened, and tamper-evident seals are designed for this purpose.
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.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS) on the network
Why it's wrong here
An IDS monitors network traffic, not physical chassis openings; it is a logical, not physical, control.
- ✗
Chassis intrusion switch
Why it's wrong here
A chassis intrusion switch can detect when the case is opened, but it requires a connection to the motherboard and may be bypassed if the system is off; tamper-evident seals are more reliable for detection.
- ✓
Tamper-evident seals
Why this is correct
Tamper-evident seals are placed over chassis screws or seams; any attempt to open the case will break or distort the seal, providing clear evidence of tampering.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Video surveillance
Why it's wrong here
Cameras can record incidents but do not directly detect chassis opening; they require active monitoring and review.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a chassis intrusion switch (an electronic detection mechanism) with a physical security control that provides tamper evidence, but the question specifically asks for a control that can detect if a chassis has been opened, and tamper-evident seals are the correct physical control for this purpose.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Tamper-evident seals, such as those using holographic or frangible materials, are designed to break or show a visible pattern change when removed. They are often used in conjunction with asset tracking and audit logs to provide a chain of custody. In a real-world scenario, a data center manager might use these seals to comply with regulatory standards like PCI DSS or SOC 2, which require evidence of physical access controls.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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: Tamper-evident seals — Tamper-evident seals are a physical security control that provide visual evidence of unauthorized access. When a server chassis is opened, the seal is broken, indicating tampering. This is the correct choice because the question specifically asks for a control that can detect if a chassis has been opened, and tamper-evident seals are designed for this purpose.
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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