CISSP Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

A mantrap is a preventive physical control designed to enhance security by using two doors that operate in a controlled sequence. This setup ensures that only authorized individuals can enter a secured area, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

In a typical mantrap, when an individual approaches the first door, it must be opened, allowing the person to enter a small, enclosed space between the two doors. This space is designed to be secure, preventing anyone from entering or exiting until the second door is authorized to open. The system often requires some form of authentication (like a key card or biometric verification) to open the second door, thereby confirming the identity and clearance of the individual before they can progress into the secured area.

This method of layered security is effective because even if someone were to gain access to the first door, they would be stopped by the second door until they undergo additional verification. This feature makes mantraps particularly useful in high-security environments where safeguarding sensitive information or assets is critical.

Other options, such as a safe room, security checkpoint, or surveillance camera, serve different security functions but do not provide the same level of controlled access that a mantrap does with its two-door system.