200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
A developer needs to prevent SQL injection in a web application. Which coding practice should be used when constructing database queries?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between input validation and parameterized queries, trapping candidates who think sanitizing input is sufficient, when the secure standard is to use parameterized queries to enforce separation of code and data.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Parameterized queries
Parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) separate SQL logic from data by using placeholders (e.g., `?` in MySQLi or `:name` in PDO). This ensures user input is always treated as data, never as executable SQL code, effectively neutralizing SQL injection attacks regardless of the input content.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
CSRF tokens
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tokens prevent cross-site request forgery, not SQL injection.
- ✗
Output encoding
Why it's wrong here
Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
- ✗
Input validation
Why it's wrong here
Input validation helps but may not be sufficient; parameterized queries are the primary defense.
- ✓
Parameterized queries
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries ensure user input is treated as data, not executable code.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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