Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
During which phase of the SDLC should security requirements be formally documented and approved?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse the Requirements phase with the Design phase, mistakenly thinking security requirements are documented during design because that is when security controls are technically specified, but formal approval must occur earlier in the requirements stage to drive the entire development lifecycle.
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
✓
Requirements phase
Security requirements must be formally documented and approved during the Requirements phase of the SDLC because this is when functional and non-functional needs, including security controls, are defined before any design or coding begins. Integrating security at this stage ensures that confidentiality, integrity, and availability requirements are captured in the system specification, preventing costly rework later. The Requirements phase is the earliest point where stakeholders can review and approve security constraints, such as encryption standards or access control policies, aligning them with business objectives.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Design phase
Why it's wrong here
Design phase addresses architecture but not initial requirements.
- ✓
Requirements phase
Why this is correct
Correct. Security requirements are defined and approved by the business owner during this phase.
- ✗
Development phase
Why it's wrong here
Development phase implements requirements but does not define them.
- ✗
Testing phase
Why it's wrong here
Testing phase verifies requirements but does not define them.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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