CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
Which physical security design principle emphasizes that the physical environment should be designed to discourage criminal activity by using natural surveillance, access control, and territorial reinforcement?
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
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CPTED
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) uses architectural features to reduce crime.
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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TEMPEST
Why it's wrong here
TEMPEST is a U.S. National Security Agency specification and a NATO certification that refers to the study and control of spurious electromagnetic signals emitted by electronic equipment. Its primary goal is to prevent the interception and reconstruction of sensitive data from these emanations, which could be exploited by adversaries. While critical for securing classified information systems, TEMPEST does not directly address physical security design principles for deterring crime through environmental design.
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Fail-safe
Why it's wrong here
A fail-safe design principle ensures that in the event of a system failure or power loss, the system defaults to a secure state, often meaning doors unlock or systems shut down safely. This principle prioritizes safety and security during abnormal conditions, preventing unauthorized access or harm when controls fail. However, it is a response mechanism to failure rather than a proactive design strategy focused on deterring criminal activity through environmental manipulation.
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Layered defense
Why it's wrong here
Layered defense, also known as defense-in-depth, involves implementing multiple security controls and countermeasures in a series, creating successive barriers that an attacker must overcome. This approach aims to slow down or deter an adversary by requiring them to defeat several different types of security measures, such as fences, guards, alarms, and access controls. While it incorporates physical controls, it is a broader strategy for combining various security elements rather than a specific design principle focused on using the built environment itself to influence behavior and prevent crime.
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CPTED
Why this is correct
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multidisciplinary approach that uses urban and architectural design to reduce the incidence and fear of crime, and improve the quality of life. It emphasizes manipulating the built environment to create a sense of ownership, increase natural surveillance, and define clear territorial boundaries. CPTED principles, such as natural access control, natural surveillance, and territorial reinforcement, directly focus on how physical design can proactively deter undesirable behavior and enhance security.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Security Governance and Principles
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
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.