SANS ASLP Security Awareness Training Practice Exam – Prep Guide & Practice Test

Physical security controls are measures taken to protect tangible assets and facilities from unauthorized access or harm. Access cards and biometric scanners serve as direct means to control who can enter physical environments, thereby safeguarding sensitive areas and resources. They help ensure that only authorized personnel can access secure locations, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to infiltrate and compromise security.

In contrast, firewalls are software-based security controls designed to manage network traffic and defend against cyber threats, while encryption software protects data in transit or at rest through cryptographic techniques. Intrusion detection systems monitor network or system activities for signs of security breaches but are also part of virtual or logical security measures. None of these options provide the physical access control that is characteristic of physical security measures like access cards or biometric scanners.