SY0-701 Question 19
Single answerA financial services company is renovating the entrance to its data center after a recent incident in which an unauthorized person followed an employee through the front door and then attempted to force entry with a vehicle during after-hours delivery time. Management wants to reduce both tailgating and vehicle-ramming risk at the main entrance without relying primarily on security guards. Which combination of controls best addresses these requirements?
- A
Install an access control vestibule at the entrance and place rated bollards in front of the building entry point
- B
Increase exterior lighting and require employees to wear visible access badges at all times
- C
Add more video surveillance cameras covering the parking lot and lobby entrances
- D
Deploy ultrasonic motion sensors in the lobby and add perimeter fencing around the parking area
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is the combination of an access control vestibule and bollards because the scenario describes two distinct physical security problems: unauthorized entry by tailgating and attempted vehicle assault on the entrance. In Security+ and in real-world physical security design, the strongest answer is the one that applies layered preventive controls matched to the threat. A mantrap/access control vestibule is a standard countermeasure for tailgating and piggybacking in sensitive areas such as data centers, labs, and financial facilities. Bollards are commonly used to protect building entrances from accidental or deliberate vehicle impact. Other listed controls such as lighting, badges, cameras, fencing, and sensors are useful components of a broader defense-in-depth strategy, but they are less direct for the stated goals. This aligns with common physical security best practices and layered control guidance used in enterprise security programs, including principles reflected in facility security design standards and Security+ exam objectives.
- A. Correct.
Correct. An access control vestibule, often called a mantrap, is specifically designed to reduce tailgating and piggybacking by allowing identity verification before a person proceeds farther into a restricted area. Bollards are physical barriers used to stop or slow vehicles from reaching an entrance, making them an appropriate control against vehicle-ramming attempts. This combination directly addresses both parts of the scenario with preventive physical controls rather than primarily detective or administrative measures.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Better lighting improves visibility and can deter some criminal behavior, while visible access badges help identify authorized personnel. However, badges do not stop an unauthorized person from tailgating behind a valid user, and lighting does not prevent a vehicle from striking the entrance. These are helpful supporting controls, but they do not best satisfy the stated requirements.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Video surveillance is valuable for monitoring, recording, and post-incident investigation, and it can support real-time response if someone is watching the feed. However, cameras alone do not physically prevent tailgating or vehicle attacks. This option focuses on detective controls rather than the more effective preventive controls requested in the scenario.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Ultrasonic motion sensors can detect movement in enclosed indoor spaces, and fencing can help define a perimeter. However, lobby motion sensors do not specifically prevent tailgating at the point of entry, and standard fencing around a parking area is generally less effective than properly installed bollards for stopping a vehicle from reaching the entrance. This option partially addresses perimeter security but not the core risks as directly or effectively.