What is the primary purpose of using a mantrap in physical security?

The primary purpose of using a mantrap in physical security is to control access to secure areas. A mantrap is a physical security mechanism that consists of a small space with two interlocking doors, where an individual must pass through one door before the other can open. This design prevents individuals from bypassing security measures, as they cannot enter the secure area without proper authentication or verification.

By controlling access in this way, mantraps enhance overall security by ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas. They reduce the risk of unauthorized entry and help maintain a secure environment by making it easy to monitor and manage who is granted access. This is particularly valuable in high-security environments such as data centers, laboratories, or secure government facilities.

Other options serve different purposes. For instance, alerting security personnel to unauthorized access involves monitoring systems like alarms or surveillance cameras, while enhancing lighting improves visibility but does not directly control access. Similarly, providing surveillance of entrances helps in observation but lacks the restrictive physical control that a mantrap offers.