ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
Which type of access control is implemented by a cable lock attached to a laptop?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the three access control categories — candidates see 'lock' and think of logical password locks, but a cable lock is unambiguously a physical control because it protects the hardware asset, not the data or system access.
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
✓
Physical access control
A cable lock physically tethers the laptop to a fixed object, preventing theft or physical removal of the device. Because it restricts physical contact with and movement of the asset rather than controlling logical system access, it is classified as a physical access control. Physical controls are one of the three main categories (alongside administrative and technical/logical) in the (ISC)² access control taxonomy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Administrative access control
Why it's wrong here
A cable lock is a physical control, restricting direct contact with the hardware. Administrative access control consists of policies and procedures such as security awareness training or background checks, and would be correct where the safeguard is a documented managerial directive rather than a tangible device.
- ✓
Physical access control
Why this is correct
A cable lock physically restrains the laptop, preventing removal of the asset itself. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a control that operates on direct physical contact with the device, rather than on logical authentication or network permissions. Physical access controls therefore mitigate theft and unauthorised hardware access, distinct from technical or administrative categories.
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Logical access control
Why it's wrong here
A cable lock physically restrains hardware, so it is a physical control; logical controls govern access through software mechanisms such as permissions, authentication or encryption. It is tempting because logical controls also protect the laptop's data, but that scenario would involve login policies or full-disk encryption rather than a tether.
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Technical access control
Why it's wrong here
A cable lock acts on the physical environment, whereas technical controls are implemented through system configuration, such as firewalls, encryption or access permissions. It is tempting because laptop security often involves technical measures, but a scenario requiring software-enforced restrictions on data or logins would call for those instead.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Physical Access Controls
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.
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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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
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.