The answer is to implement static application security testing (SAST) in the continuous integration pipeline. This is the best approach because embedding SAST directly into the CI pipeline enables automated, real-time scanning of source code for vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting as each commit is made, perfectly aligning with Agile’s iterative, fast-paced development cycles. By catching flaws at the code level before builds are deployed, this shift-left strategy drastically reduces remediation cost and effort compared to testing later in the lifecycle. On the CISA exam, this question tests your understanding of integrating security into DevOps workflows, often contrasting SAST with dynamic testing (DAST) or manual reviews; a common trap is choosing a separate, post-build security phase that violates Agile’s continuous delivery principle. Remember the mnemonic “SAST in CI, flaws say goodbye”—if the code is scanned as it’s written, you’ve shifted security left effectively.
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems acquisition, development and implementation. 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 developing a web application using an Agile methodology. The security team wants to integrate security testing early in the development lifecycle. Which of the following is the BEST approach to achieve this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement static application security testing (SAST) in the continuous integration pipeline
Integrating SAST into the CI pipeline allows automated scanning of source code for vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS) as code is committed, aligning with Agile's iterative development. This shift-left approach catches flaws early, reducing remediation cost and effort compared to later stages.
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.
✓
Implement static application security testing (SAST) in the continuous integration pipeline
Why this is correct
SAST scans source code and can be integrated into CI to find vulnerabilities early.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Conduct a penetration test after each sprint
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is more appropriate for later stages; it is not early integration.
✗
Schedule an annual vulnerability scan of the production environment
Why it's wrong here
This is too late and not integrated into development.
✗
Perform dynamic application security testing (DAST) on deployed builds
Why it's wrong here
DAST requires a running application, so it is not early in development.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing 'early testing' with any security test performed during development, but only SAST in the CI pipeline provides automated, continuous analysis at the code level before builds are deployed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAST tools analyze source code, bytecode, or binaries without executing the application, using techniques like data flow analysis and taint tracking to identify vulnerabilities. In a CI pipeline (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), SAST can be triggered on each commit, providing immediate feedback to developers. A real-world scenario: a SAST rule flags a hardcoded API key in a configuration file, preventing its exposure before the code reaches a shared repository.
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 CISA 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.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — This question tests Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement static application security testing (SAST) in the continuous integration pipeline — Integrating SAST into the CI pipeline allows automated scanning of source code for vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS) as code is committed, aligning with Agile's iterative development. This shift-left approach catches flaws early, reducing remediation cost and effort compared to later stages.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 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.
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.