Quick Answer
The answer is biometric authentication on the door and a mantrap entry, as these are the most effective preventive physical access controls for a data center server room. Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or retinal scanning, directly verifies an individual’s identity before granting entry, while a mantrap—a small vestibule with two interlocking doors—prevents tailgating and forces one-person-at-a-time access. On the Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish preventive controls from detective or administrative measures; a common trap is selecting CCTV (detective) or a visitor logbook (administrative) because they seem useful, but they do not stop unauthorized access in real time. Remember that for server room security, the focus is on layered physical barriers that deny entry before a breach occurs. Memory tip: think “Prevent with Print and Trap”—biometric prints and mantrap doors are your first line of defense.
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. 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.
Which TWO of the following are the MOST effective controls to prevent unauthorized access to a data center's server room? (Choose two.)
Server rack locks
Why wrong: Rack locks protect individual racks, not the room.
Mantrap entry
Mantrap prevents tailgating and unauthorized entry.
CCTV monitoring
Why wrong: CCTV only records, does not prevent.
Visitor logbook
Why wrong: Logbook is administrative, not preventive.
Biometric authentication on door
Biometric ensures only authorized individuals can enter.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Mantrap entry
Options A and D are correct because biometric authentication and mantrap entry are preventive physical controls. Option B is incorrect as CCTV is detective. Option C is incorrect as visitor logbook is administrative. Option E is incorrect as rack locks are secondary to room access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Server rack locks
Why it's wrong here
Rack locks protect individual racks, not the room.
Mantrap entry
Why this is correct
Mantrap prevents tailgating and unauthorized entry.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CCTV monitoring
Why it's wrong here
CCTV only records, does not prevent.
Visitor logbook
Why it's wrong here
Logbook is administrative, not preventive.
Biometric authentication on door
Why this is correct
Biometric ensures only authorized individuals can enter.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CISA 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
Identify which CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Mantrap entry — Options A and D are correct because biometric authentication and mantrap entry are preventive physical controls. Option B is incorrect as CCTV is detective. Option C is incorrect as visitor logbook is administrative. Option E is incorrect as rack locks are secondary to room access.
Identify which CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to a data center?
mediumWhy C: Mantraps and biometric readers are physical access controls. Fire suppression and UPS are environmental controls. Cable locks secure equipment but do not prevent entry to the data center.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.
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