Which one of the threats listed below can occur as a result of the absence of a physical measure?

Question

Options

• AA user can view the files belonging to another user.
• BA server shuts off because of overheating.
• CA confidential document is left in the printer.
• DHackers can freely enter the computer network.

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  83% (43)
• C
  6% (3)
• D
  10% (5)

Explanation

Option B is correct because server overheating is directly prevented by physical measures - cooling systems, air conditioning, proper ventilation, and thermal sensors. When these physical safeguards are absent, heat builds up and the server shuts down to protect hardware, making this a classic physical security threat.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (viewing another user's files) is a logical/access control failure - it's addressed by software permissions, not physical measures.
• C (document left at the printer) is a procedural/human behavior issue - it stems from a lack of policy or awareness, not a missing physical control.
• D (hackers entering the network) is a network/logical security failure - it's mitigated by firewalls, authentication, and encryption, none of which are physical measures.

Memory tip: Think of physical measures as things you can touch or feel in a room - locks, cooling units, fire suppression, UPS systems. If the threat involves hardware being damaged or destroyed by an environmental condition, it's almost always a physical control issue.

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