hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISA Is adopting agile development methodology Practice Question
An organization is adopting agile development methodology. Which control is MOST critical to ensure security is integrated?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose 'Security requirements defined at project initiation' (Option D) because it sounds like early planning, but in agile, requirements must be continuously refined and added to the backlog, not locked in at the start.
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
✓
Including security stories in the product backlog
In agile development, security must be continuously integrated into each iteration. Including security stories in the product backlog ensures that security tasks are prioritized, estimated, and addressed during each sprint, making security an inherent part of the development lifecycle rather than an afterthought. This aligns with the principle of 'shifting left' on security, where controls are applied as early as possible.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Penetration testing before release
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is a point-in-time check, not continuous.
- ✓
Including security stories in the product backlog
Why this is correct
Security stories ensure security is addressed in each iteration.
- ✗
Code reviews after each sprint
Why it's wrong here
Code reviews are good but not the most critical for integrating security.
- ✗
Security requirements defined at project initiation
Why it's wrong here
Security requirements should be iteratively refined in agile.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.