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CISA Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are the MOST effective…
Which TWO of the following are the MOST effective controls to prevent unauthorized access to a data center's server room? (Choose two.)
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 entry
Mantrap entry (B) and biometric authentication (E) are the most effective preventive controls for unauthorized access to a server room. Mantraps prevent tailgating, and biometrics provide strong authentication. CCTV (C) is a detective control, visitor logbook (D) is an administrative control, and server rack locks (A) are secondary to room access controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✗
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.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CISA
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?
medium- A.Uninterruptible power supply
- B.Cable locks
- ✓ C.Mantrap
- ✓ D.Biometric readers
- E.Fire suppression system
Why 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.
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.