What is a preventive physical security control?

SY0-701 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

B Bollards

Question

Which of the following is a preventive physical security control?
  1. Video surveillance system
  2. Bollards Correct Answer
  3. Alarm system
  4. Motion sensors

Key Takeaways

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.

Common mistake: 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.

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

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

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.

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.

Discussion 4 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 4

  1. saba263 👍 2 Answered 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.
  2. Fourgehan 👍 2 Answered 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.
  3. e2ba0ff 👍 2 Answered B
    Bollards: physical barrier, prevent vehicles access
  4. fd4ea1a 👍 1 Answered 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.

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