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Research Note

EXAM-022 - Environmental Threats, Secure Areas, and Clear Desk

- A.7.5 is not just fire safety; it covers physical and environmental threats to infrastructure. - A.7.5 should link to risk assessment, specialist advice, and business continui...

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Memory cues

Control Cue
A.7.5 Protecting Against Physical and Environmental Threats Protect the site from fire, flood, power, cooling, neighbor, and disaster risks
A.7.6 Working in Secure Areas Control how sensitive work is performed inside secure areas
A.7.7 Clear Desk and Clear Screen Do not leave papers, media, screens, printers, or faxes exposed

Likely exam traps

  • A.7.5 is not just fire safety; it covers physical and environmental threats to infrastructure.
  • A.7.5 should link to risk assessment, specialist advice, and business continuity.
  • A.7.6 is not the same as A.7.2. A.7.2 controls entry; A.7.6 controls work inside secure areas.
  • A.7.6 can include need-to-know, device restrictions, supervision, and dual control where risk requires it.
  • A.7.7 is not tidiness; it protects unattended information from unauthorized viewing, loss, photography, and disposal errors.
  • A.7.7 includes printers and fax machines where sensitive output can be exposed.

Quick comparison

Question A.7.5 A.7.6 A.7.7
Main concern Hazard damage to infrastructure Sensitive work inside secure areas Unattended information exposure
Typical evidence Hazard assessment, inspection, specialist advice Secure-area procedure, authorization, supervision records Policy, auto-lock, inspection records
Audit method Site walkthrough and continuity review Observe/interview secure-area workers Walk desks, screens, printers, faxes
Common failure BCP ignores site hazards Locked room but weak work rules Policy exists but no enforcement

Practical mentor takeaway

Exam lens

In physical controls, always ask whether the control protects the asset in the real environment. A sign, locked door, CCTV camera, or policy is weak unless behavior, maintenance, and evidence prove it works.

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  • Physical controls

Note Metadata

Aliases: A.7.5 A.7.6 A.7.7 exam cues

Source: 09-Exam-Preparation/EXAM-022-Environmental-Secure-Areas-and-Clear-Desk.md