- A
Mantrap
Two-door system prevents tailgating.
- B
Biometric reader
Why wrong: Verifies identity but does not prevent tailgating.
- C
Security guard
Why wrong: Can help but not as effective as a mantrap for prevention.
- D
CCTV cameras
Why wrong: Detect but do not prevent tailgating.
Question 279 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 company is implementing a new access control system for its data center. Which physical security control is best for preventing tailgating?
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
A mantrap is specifically designed to prevent tailgating by using a small vestibule with two interlocking doors. Only one door can open at a time, and the system typically requires authentication (e.g., badge or biometric) to proceed, ensuring that only one authorized person enters per cycle. This physical barrier directly blocks unauthorized individuals from following an authorized user through a single entry point.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Why this is correct
Two-door system prevents tailgating.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Biometric reader
Why it's wrong here
Verifies identity but does not prevent tailgating.
- ✗
Security guard
Why it's wrong here
Can help but not as effective as a mantrap for prevention.
- ✗
CCTV cameras
Why it's wrong here
Detect but do not prevent tailgating.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls; the trap here is that candidates confuse surveillance (CCTV) or authentication (biometrics) with active physical prevention, leading them to overlook the mantrap as the only option that mechanically blocks tailgating.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A mantrap operates with interlocking door logic, often using sensors (e.g., pressure mats, infrared beams) to detect the presence of a single person in the vestibule. In high-security environments, the mantrap may integrate with a physical access control system (PACS) to enforce rules such as 'no two persons in the vestibule at once' or 'door must close and lock before the second door unlocks.' This design aligns with the principle of defense-in-depth, where the mantrap serves as a physical barrier layer that complements electronic authentication.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Security Operations and Administration — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SSCP questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SSCP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mantrap — A mantrap is specifically designed to prevent tailgating by using a small vestibule with two interlocking doors. Only one door can open at a time, and the system typically requires authentication (e.g., badge or biometric) to proceed, ensuring that only one authorized person enters per cycle. This physical barrier directly blocks unauthorized individuals from following an authorized user through a single entry point.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP 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.