easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISA Practice Question: Which physical security control is most effective…
Which physical security control is most effective for preventing unauthorized individuals from tailgating into a data center?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose biometric readers or CCTV because they associate them with high security, but fail to recognize that tailgating exploits the gap between authentication and physical passage, which only a mantrap's interlocking doors can mechanically enforce.
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
✓
Mantrap (dual-door interlocking system).
A mantrap, or dual-door interlocking system, is the most effective physical security control against tailgating because it physically isolates individuals in a small vestibule where both doors cannot be opened simultaneously. This forces authentication and verification for each person before the second door unlocks, preventing an unauthorized person from following an authorized individual through a single entry point.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Mantrap (dual-door interlocking system).
Why this is correct
A mantrap requires entry through one door before the second opens, forcing single occupancy and preventing tailgating.
- ✗
Security guards at the entrance.
Why it's wrong here
Guards can challenge, but they are not foolproof; mantrap is a more effective mechanical control.
- ✗
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance.
Why it's wrong here
CCTV deters and records but does not physically prevent tailgating.
- ✗
Biometric fingerprint readers.
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics verify identity but do not stop multiple people from entering authentication booth.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every CISA question from scratch — 995 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.