CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)SecurityHard
A small office manager wants to implement a physical security measure to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the server room by simply following an authorized employee through a door that requires badge access. Which physical security control would be MOST effective in mitigating this specific threat?
- ASecurity guard
- BBiometric scanner
- CAlarm system
- DMantrap
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mantrap
A mantrap (or access control vestibule) is specifically designed to prevent 'tailgating' or 'piggybacking,' where an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a secure area. It consists of two doors, where one must close before the other can open, allowing only one person to pass at a time. This directly addresses the described threat.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A security guard could deter or catch tailgaters, but a mantrap provides a physical, automated barrier.
- B. A biometric scanner authenticates a single person but doesn't physically prevent a second person from following closely behind.
- C. An alarm system would only alert after an unauthorized entry, not prevent it.
Mantrap
A physical security control consisting of a small room with two interlocking doors, where one door must close and lock before the other can be opened, ensuring only one person can pass through at a time.
- Primarily used to prevent tailgating/piggybacking.
- Often found in high-security areas like data centers or server rooms.
- Can be integrated with biometric or badge access systems.
Memory trick: Physical controls secure the space and stop unwanted entry.