What is the recommended practice when no one is in a secure area?

• A. Leave unlocked
• B. Lock and verify periodically
• C. Increase lighting
• D. Notify supervisor

Answer: (B)

When no one is in a secure area, the priority is to maintain control over who can access it and to confirm that control remains intact over time. The best approach is to lock the area and verify periodically. Locking prevents unauthorized entry and protects sensitive equipment and information from theft or tampering. Verifying periodically means regularly checking that the door remains securely closed, the lock and access controls function correctly, and that there are no signs of tampering or unexpected activity. This creates an ongoing safeguard and provides a way to catch issues such as a door being left ajar or a faulty locking mechanism.

Leaving the area unlocked undermines access control and greatly increases risk. Increasing lighting may deter some opportunistic acts, but it does not enforce access restrictions or ensure the door is secured. Notifying a supervisor can be part of a broader process, but it does not by itself prevent entry or maintain the security of the area.