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CAS-004 Practice Question: Is implementing a secure software development…
An organization is implementing a secure software development lifecycle. Which of the following practices BEST ensures that security requirements are addressed early in the development process?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA CASP+ often tests the distinction between proactive security activities (like threat modeling) and reactive or verification activities (like code analysis or penetration testing), trapping candidates who confuse 'early' with 'any security practice' rather than recognizing that only design-phase activities can truly address requirements before development begins.
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
✓
Threat modeling during design phase
Threat modeling during the design phase is the best practice for addressing security requirements early because it proactively identifies potential threats, attack vectors, and vulnerabilities in the system architecture before any code is written. By analyzing data flow, trust boundaries, and threat agents (e.g., using STRIDE or PASTA methodologies), security controls can be integrated into the design, reducing costly rework later. This aligns with the 'shift left' principle in secure SDLC, ensuring security is not an afterthought.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Security training for developers
Why it's wrong here
Training is important but does not directly ensure requirements are addressed in the process.
- ✗
Code analysis after development
Why it's wrong here
Code analysis happens after code is written, not early enough.
- ✓
Threat modeling during design phase
Why this is correct
Threat modeling identifies threats early, allowing mitigation in design.
- ✗
Penetration testing before release
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing occurs late in the lifecycle, not early.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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