Question

Difficulty: HardPhysical Security Controls

A desktop support technician is deploying physical and hardware security controls across multiple corporate facilities. Match each physical security control mechanism on the left to its corresponding primary protective function on the right.

  • USB data blockerPhysically disconnects data pins to permit charging while preventing unauthorized data transfer or malware injection.
  • Anti-passback systemEnforces registered exit scans before allowing re-entry, preventing a single credential from admitting multiple individuals.
  • Kensington lockAnchors mobile equipment to heavy or fixed structural elements via hardened steel cabling to prevent opportunistic theft.
  • Privacy screen filterNarrows the visual viewing cone of a monitor screen to protect sensitive visual data from shoulder surfing.

Answer

The physical security controls correctly match their primary protective functions: USB data blocker prevents data exchange during charging by disabling data lines; Anti-passback system prevents credential sharing and tailgating by enforcing badge exit tracking; Kensington lock physically tethers hardware to fixed objects; Privacy screen filter prevents shoulder surfing by narrowing screen viewing angles.
Each physical security control directly counters a distinct physical threat: USB data blockers mitigate juice jacking attacks; anti-passback rules eliminate badge-passing and tailgating; Kensington locks deter physical theft of mobile hardware; privacy screen filters prevent shoulder surfing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the function of USB data blockers.
Identified that USB data blockers disable data pin continuity, protecting devices charging on untrusted public charging stations from data exfiltration or juice jacking.
Matches the protective function that prevents data transfer while allowing power delivery.
2
Analyze the operation of anti-passback access controls.
Identified that anti-passback enforces an alternating sequence of entry and exit scans for credential validity.
Matches the protective function requiring registered exit scans before allowing re-entry with the same credential.
3
Analyze hardware security cable locks (Kensington locks).
Identified that cable locks physically tether laptop or monitor chassis to immovable furniture or fixtures.
Matches the protective function anchoring equipment to fixed structural elements using steel cabling.
4
Analyze visual security controls.
Identified that privacy screens narrow viewing angles to prevent unauthorized observation from peripheral viewing angles.
Matches the protective function narrowing the display viewing cone to counter shoulder surfing.

Key Concept

Physical Security Controls
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