220-1101 Question 7
Single answerPhysical privacy and security componentsA technician is deploying new all-in-one PCs at a hospital registration desk. Staff members work in a public waiting area, and patients often stand beside the desk while paperwork is being completed. Management wants to reduce the chance of patients viewing protected health information on the screen without significantly affecting normal keyboard and mouse use. Which physical security component should the technician install?
- A
Privacy screen filter
- B
Kensington cable lock
- C
Biometric reader
- D
USB port blocker
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is the privacy screen filter because the scenario is specifically about preventing unauthorized viewing of sensitive data in a public-facing workspace. In A+ Core 1, physical privacy and security components include items such as privacy screens, cable locks, biometrics, and port locks, but each solves a different problem. A privacy screen is the appropriate control when the main risk is visual exposure of data, sometimes called shoulder surfing. This aligns with common healthcare and security best practices for protecting confidential information in public areas, especially where regulated data such as protected health information is displayed.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A privacy screen filter narrows the viewing angle of the display so people standing to the side cannot easily read the contents on the screen. This is a standard physical privacy control for workstations in public or semi-public areas such as reception desks, nursing stations, and check-in counters.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A Kensington cable lock helps physically secure the computer to a desk or other fixed object to deter theft. It does not prevent nearby people from viewing sensitive information displayed on the monitor.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A biometric reader helps control logical access by verifying a user's identity, such as through a fingerprint. While it can improve authentication security, it does not address shoulder surfing or visual exposure of on-screen patient information.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A USB port blocker helps prevent unauthorized use of USB ports, such as connecting removable storage or peripherals. This can support device security, but it does not limit who can see the display in a public area.