The correct answer is a biometric access control system because it authenticates individuals using unique biological traits like fingerprints or iris patterns, making it the most secure physical control for a server room. Unlike keypad locks, which rely on shared codes that can be easily compromised, biometrics tie access directly to a person’s identity, preventing unauthorized entry through credential theft or duplication. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between preventive and detective controls—biometric systems are preventive, while video surveillance is only detective. A common trap is choosing a keypad lock for its lower cost, but the exam emphasizes that server rooms require strong, non-replicable authentication. Remember the memory tip: “Biometrics bind the body to the badge,” meaning the person themselves becomes the key, eliminating the risk of shared or stolen credentials.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 security administrator needs to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the server room. Which physical control is most appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Biometric access control system
A biometric access control system uses unique biological traits for authentication, providing strong physical security. Keypad locks (A) are less secure because codes can be shared. Video surveillance (C) is detective, not preventive. Mantraps (D) are used for high-security areas but are more complex and expensive. Biometric access is the best fit for this requirement.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 with card reader
Why it's wrong here
Although a mantrap provides security, it is overkill for a standard server room and typically used for higher security areas.
✗
Keypad lock with a shared code
Why it's wrong here
Keypad locks with shared codes are vulnerable to unauthorized sharing and observation.
✓
Biometric access control system
Why this is correct
Biometric systems authenticate based on unique physical characteristics, ensuring only authorized personnel gain access.
Video surveillance is a detective control, not a preventive control for access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CC OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Biometric access control system — A biometric access control system uses unique biological traits for authentication, providing strong physical security. Keypad locks (A) are less secure because codes can be shared. Video surveillance (C) is detective, not preventive. Mantraps (D) are used for high-security areas but are more complex and expensive. Biometric access is the best fit for this requirement.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CC OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.