What are the three primary objectives of physical security controls?

• A. Deterrence, detection, and delay.
• B. Detection, delay, and deterrence.
• C. Deterrence, delay, and surveillance.
• D. Deterrence, prevention, and response.

Answer: (A)

In physical security, the key aims of controls are to deter potential intruders, detect any intrusion quickly, and delay the intruder long enough for a timely response. Deterrence makes attacking seem unlikely or costly, which reduces the chance of an attempt. Detection provides immediate awareness—alarms, sensors, and cameras help security know something is wrong as soon as it happens. Delay buys time by slowing down the intruder with reinforced doors, barriers, and other physical protections, giving responders a chance to intervene before a breach completes.

Surveillance is a method that helps with detection, not an objective by itself. Prevention overlaps with deterrence but is not listed separately when describing the core triad. Response is the action taken after detection, part of the broader security program rather than a primary objective of the physical controls themselves. Therefore, deterrence, detection, and delay form the best alignment of the primary objectives.