Which of the following is an example of hardware-based security control?

Biometric devices are a prime example of hardware-based security controls because they require physical components to perform their functions. These devices, which may include fingerprint scanners, iris recognition systems, or facial recognition cameras, use unique biological traits to verify identities, adding a layer of security that is tied directly to the hardware. This direct dependency on physical traits and devices makes biometrics an effective means of ensuring that access is granted only to authorized individuals.

In contrast, password protection entails software mechanisms that depend on user-defined credentials for security, which can be bypassed through social engineering or hacking techniques. Encryption software also represents a software solution, providing security through algorithms designed to encode data, rather than relying on hardware for protection. Firewalls, while important for network security, predominantly consist of software rules designed to filter traffic and monitor data flow rather than being tied to physical hardware components exclusively. Thus, the choice of biometric devices clearly aligns with the definition of hardware-based security controls.