Restrictive areas are those that contain sensitive or critical assets, systems, or information that require additional protection from unauthorized access or tampering. Access control is the process of granting or denying access to these areas based on predefined policies, rules, and criteria. An additional authentication factor is a method of verifying the identity or authorization of a user or device that is used in conjunction with another factor, such as a password, a token, or a biometric feature. Additional authentication factors enhance the security and reliability of access control by reducing the risk of impersonation, compromise, or theft of credentials.
The example that best represents the set of restrictive areas that require an additional authentication factor for access control is A. Datacenters; telecom rooms; server rooms; exterior building entrance. These areas contain vital infrastructure, equipment, and data that are essential for the organization’s operations, performance, and security. Unauthorized access to these areas could result in significant damage, disruption, or loss of data, services, or resources. Therefore, these areas should be protected by multiple layers of access control, including physical and logical barriers, as well as additional authentication factors, such as smart cards, biometrics, or one-time passwords.
The other examples are less likely to represent the set of restrictive areas that require an additional authentication factor for access control, because they either contain less sensitive or critical assets, systems, or information, or they are more accessible or visible to the public or other authorized users. For example:
B. Datacenters; telecom rooms; security operations centers; loading docks: While datacenters, telecom rooms, and security operations centers are restrictive areas that require an additional authentication factor for access control, loading docks are not. Loading docks are typically open to external vendors, suppliers, or delivery personnel, and may not contain any sensitive or critical assets, systems, or information. Therefore, loading docks may not require an additional authentication factor for access control, but rather a basic verification of identity or authorization, such as a badge, a signature, or a receipt.
C. Telecom rooms; parking garage; security operations centers; exterior building entrance: While telecom rooms, security operations centers, and exterior building entrance are restrictive areas that require an additional authentication factor for access control, parking garage is not. Parking garage is usually accessible to employees, visitors, or customers, and may not contain any sensitive or critical assets, systems, or information. Therefore, parking garage may not require an additional authentication factor for access control, but rather a simple validation of access rights, such as a ticket, a code, or a gate.
D. Exterior building entrance; datacenters; telecom rooms; printer rooms: While exterior building entrance, datacenters, and telecom rooms are restrictive areas that require an additional authentication factor for access control, printer rooms are not. Printer rooms are generally available to all employees or authorized users, and may not contain any sensitive or critical assets, systems, or information. Therefore, printer rooms may not require an additional authentication factor for access control, but rather a standard authentication factor, such as a password, a PIN, or a fingerprint.
References:
Shared Assessments CTPRP Study Guide, page 46, section 4.3.1: Access Control
Access Controls Over Third-Party Applications, section: Vendor Access
Controlling Third-Party Access Risk, section: Best Practices for Controlling Third-Party Vendor Risks, bullet point: Implementing supporting processes and controls that define and enforce access policies for third-party privileged users.
