The answer is SAST and DAST as essential security controls for a DevSecOps pipeline. SAST, or Static Application Security Testing, is critical during the build phase because it scans source code for vulnerabilities like SQL injection without executing the program, enabling early remediation under the shift-left principle. DAST, or Dynamic Application Security Testing, is essential in the staging environment because it tests the running application for runtime flaws, such as authentication bypasses, that SAST cannot catch. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this question tests your understanding of integrating security into CI/CD workflows; a common trap is confusing SAST with DAST or placing DAST too early in the pipeline. Remember the mnemonic: SAST scans the source (static, early), DAST attacks the app (dynamic, late).
CAS-004 DevSecOps security controls Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization is implementing a DevSecOps pipeline. Which of the following are essential security controls to include? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement SAST in the build phase
SAST (Static Application Security Testing) is essential in the build phase because it analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. Integrating SAST early in the DevSecOps pipeline allows developers to identify and remediate flaws like SQL injection, buffer overflows, or cross-site scripting before the code is compiled and deployed, aligning with the 'shift left' security principle.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Conduct annual penetration testing
Why it's wrong here
Annual testing is not frequent enough for a DevSecOps pipeline, which requires continuous testing.
✗
Use network segmentation for production
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation is a security control but not specific to the DevSecOps pipeline; it is an operational security measure.
✗
Disable security scanning to speed up deployments
Why it's wrong here
Disabling security scanning would defeat the purpose of DevSecOps.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The CAS-004 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Implement SAST in the build phaseCorrect answer▾✗Conduct annual penetration testingWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Annual testing is not frequent enough for a DevSecOps pipeline, which requires continuous testing.
✗Use network segmentation for productionWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Network segmentation is a security control but not specific to the DevSecOps pipeline; it is an operational security measure.
✗Disable security scanning to speed up deploymentsWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Disabling security scanning would defeat the purpose of DevSecOps.
Analysis generated from the official CAS-004blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between continuous pipeline-integrated controls (SAST, DAST) and traditional periodic or infrastructure-level controls (annual pen tests, network segmentation), expecting candidates to recognize that only the former are essential within a DevSecOps pipeline.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) in the staging environment simulates external attacks against a running application, detecting runtime vulnerabilities such as authentication bypasses or insecure server configurations that SAST cannot catch. In a DevSecOps pipeline, DAST is typically triggered automatically after deployment to staging, using tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite, and can be configured to fail the pipeline if critical vulnerabilities are found, ensuring only secure builds progress to production.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement SAST in the build phase — SAST (Static Application Security Testing) is essential in the build phase because it analyzes source code, bytecode, or binary code for security vulnerabilities without executing the program. Integrating SAST early in the DevSecOps pipeline allows developers to identify and remediate flaws like SQL injection, buffer overflows, or cross-site scripting before the code is compiled and deployed, aligning with the 'shift left' security principle.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-004 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.