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SSCP · Question #16

Which is the last line of defense in a physical security sense?

The correct answer is A. people. In physical security, people represent the final line of defense after all technical and physical barriers have been breached or bypassed.

Submitted by lucia.co· Apr 18, 2026Security Operations and Administration

Question

Which is the last line of defense in a physical security sense?

Options

  • Apeople
  • Binterior barriers
  • Cexterior barriers
  • Dperimeter barriers

How the community answered

(24 responses)
  • A
    92% (22)
  • B
    4% (1)
  • C
    4% (1)

Why each option

In physical security, people represent the final line of defense after all technical and physical barriers have been breached or bypassed.

ApeopleCorrect

People, such as security guards, employees, or incident responders, are the ultimate human element required to detect, confront, or respond to an attacker once they have overcome all other physical security controls like barriers and access systems. Their presence and awareness are crucial for intervention and mitigation when automated systems fail or are evaded.

Binterior barriers

Interior barriers are designed to slow down or prevent access to specific internal areas but are not the absolute last defense.

Cexterior barriers

Exterior barriers are the initial layer of physical defense, meant to deter or delay external threats from reaching the facility.

Dperimeter barriers

Perimeter barriers define the boundary of a protected area and are an early physical defense, not the last.

Concept tested: Physical security layers; human element in security

Topics

#Physical Security#Layered Defense#Security Personnel#Last Line of Defense

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