ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing physical security controls. Which TWO are examples of perimeter physical controls? (Select TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is conflating 'physical control' with 'perimeter control' — badges, biometrics, and cable locks are all physical, but only fencing and exterior lighting sit at the property perimeter, so candidates who just scan for 'physical' pick the wrong 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
✓
Fencing around the property
Option D (fencing around the property) is correct because fencing is a classic perimeter control that establishes a physical boundary and deters or delays unauthorized entry to the site. Option E (lighting in the parking lot) is correct because exterior lighting is a perimeter control that illuminates the outer grounds, deterring intruders and enabling surveillance of approaches to the facility. Option A (access badges at building entrance) is not a perimeter control but an access control at a building entry point, which is a more interior layer of defense. Option B (biometric reader on server room door) is an interior access control protecting a high-value asset, not the site perimeter. Option C (cable locks on laptops) is an asset-level physical control for portable devices, not a perimeter control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Access badges at building entrance
Why it's wrong here
Badges control entry at a specific door, which is an interior access control point, not the outer perimeter boundary. They are tempting because they are physical and restrict access, but perimeter controls such as fences, bollards and exterior lighting secure the site's outer edge.
- ✗
Biometric reader on server room door
Why it's wrong here
A biometric reader on a server room door guards an interior zone inside the building, so it is an internal control rather than a perimeter one. It is tempting because biometrics are strong authentication, and it would be correct if the question asked about server room access.
- ✗
Cable locks on laptops
Why it's wrong here
Cable locks secure individual laptops against theft at the device level, not the boundary of a facility. They are tempting because they are physical and deter removal, and would be correct if the question asked about endpoint or asset protection rather than perimeter controls.
- ✓
Fencing around the property
Why this is correct
Fencing around the property is a perimeter physical control because it establishes the outermost boundary of the site, deterring and delaying unauthorised access before an intruder reaches the building. It satisfies the scenario's requirement for controls operating at the external perimeter, unlike interior measures such as locks on server-room doors.
- ✓
Lighting in the parking lot
Why this is correct
Parking-lot lighting extends the monitored perimeter outward, illuminating approach routes so intruders can be detected before reaching the building. It satisfies the stem's perimeter constraint because it operates outside the structure itself, unlike interior controls such as locks or badge readers. Deterrence and detection both derive from visibility across the external grounds.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
Physical control
Physical controls are tangible security measures like locks, fences, and biometric scanners used to protect buildings, hardware, and sensitive data from unauthorized physical access or harm.
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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