Which practice best helps prevent physical tampering with IT equipment?

• A. Tamper-evident seals
• B. Regular backups
• C. Password changes
• D. Software updates

Answer: (A)

Tamper-evident seals directly deter and detect unauthorized physical access to IT equipment. By placing a seal on access panels or enclosures, any opening or tampering becomes immediately visible, providing a clear sign that hardware may have been accessed and enabling quick response and investigation. This physical safeguard helps maintain the integrity and custody of equipment, which is exactly what you want when the concern is preventing tampering.

Regular backups address data loss but not the act of someone physically opening a device. Password changes protect user accounts, not the hardware itself, and could be bypassed if someone gains physical access. Software updates protect software vulnerabilities, not the hardware’s physical security. So tamper-evident seals offer the most direct and effective means to prevent and detect physical tampering.