What is a preventive physical security control?

Which of the following is a preventive physical security control?

  1. Video surveillance system
  2. Bollards Source Reference Answer
  3. Alarm system
  4. Motion sensors

Community Votes

B
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Community Insight

This question tests the distinction between preventive and detective controls, with the common trap being confusing deterrent or detective measures like cameras and alarms with physical barriers that actually stop access.

Bollards are identified as the correct preventive physical security control because they physically block unauthorized vehicle access. The community consensus confirms that while other options like surveillance act as deterrents or detective measures, only bollards actively prevent physical entry.

Selecting Video surveillance system (A) is a common mistake because cameras are a visible security presence, but they function as detective or deterrent controls rather than physically preventing an incident.

Community Discussion (4 comments)

e2ba0ff 👍 2 Selected: B
Bollards: physical barrier, prevent vehicles access
Fourgehan 👍 2 Selected: B
Preventive physical security controls are designed to prevent unauthorized access or actions before they occur. Bollards, which are physical barriers, prevent vehicles from ramming into buildings or accessing restricted areas. They are proactive in nature and act as a deterrent.
saba263 👍 2 Selected: B
A preventive physical security control is designed to physically stop or deter unauthorized access or actions before they occur. Bollards are physical barriers, often used to prevent vehicles from gaining unauthorized access to a specific area (e.g., preventing vehicle ramming attacks). As a preventive control, they act as a proactive measure to stop incidents from happening. Why the other options are less suitable: A. Video surveillance system: Video surveillance systems are primarily detective controls, as they record events for monitoring and analysis rather than actively preventing access or incidents. C. Alarm system: Alarm systems are also detective controls, as they alert security personnel or trigger responses when an intrusion or unauthorized action is detected, but they do not physically stop the incident. D. Motion sensors: Motion sensors are detective controls, as they detect and report unauthorized movements but do not physically prevent access or actions.
fd4ea1a 👍 1 Selected: A
I mean i guess bollards prevent from driving in. But none actually prevent, they all deter. Prevent would be a wall or a lock door.

Comments & Corrections

No comments yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.

Log in to comment, report an error, or add a note about this question.

Submitted for moderation before publishing. Keep it helpful and respectful.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Bollards are the correct answer because they are heavy-duty physical barriers installed to stop vehicles from ramming buildings or entering restricted zones. They function as a preventive control by physically denying access and blocking an action before it can result in damage or unauthorized entry.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Video surveillance systems (A), alarm systems (C), and motion sensors (D) are classified as detective or deterrent controls. These devices are designed to detect, record, or alert security personnel to an intrusion after it has begun, but they lack the physical capability to stop the unauthorized action themselves.

Community Comment Notes

The community strongly supports Bollards (B) as the correct answer, noting their role in preventing vehicle ramming attacks. One comment raised a semantic argument suggesting these controls merely deter rather than prevent, but standard certification definitions accept physical barriers like bollards as the primary example of preventive physical security.

Official Reference

Exam Strategy

When identifying preventive controls, look for mechanisms that physically stop or block an action, such as locks, fences, or bollards. Avoid options that merely record, detect, or alert you to an incident, as these are detective controls.

Related Analysis

Which of the following would be the best ways to ensure only

S-Grade

Which of the following best describes the risk present after

A-Grade

Which of the following is used to add extra complexity befor

S-Grade

Practice All SY0-701 Questions

Access 100 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.

View Full SY0-701 Practice Test →

← Back to SY0-701 Study Guide