The correct answers are that SDLC ensures user requirements are captured and validated, and that it provides a structured, phased approach to development. This is because the methodology’s sequential phases—from planning through maintenance—mandate formal requirements gathering and user sign-offs, directly embedding validation checkpoints that prevent misalignment with business needs. On the CISA exam, this question tests your understanding of SDLC’s core governance role, not its cost or security guarantees; a common trap is assuming SDLC reduces costs or eliminates scope creep, when in reality it may increase upfront investment and only manages, not prevents, changes. Remember the mnemonic “SURV” for SDLC’s key benefits: Structure, User requirements, Review, and Validation—focus on these, not on false promises of savings or security.
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems acquisition, development and implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO of the following are key benefits of using a system development life cycle (SDLC) methodology? (Select exactly two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It provides a structured approach to system development
Options A and C are correct. A: SDLC provides structure and phases. C: SDLC includes user involvement. B is wrong because SDLC does not guarantee reduced cost; it may increase upfront cost. D is wrong because SDLC is not primarily for security testing. E is wrong because SDLC may not eliminate scope creep, but helps manage it.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
It provides a structured approach to system development
Why this is correct
SDLC defines phases and deliverables.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
It ensures user requirements are captured and validated
Why this is correct
SDLC includes requirements gathering and review phases.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
It prevents any scope changes during development
Why it's wrong here
Scope changes can still occur; SDLC helps manage them.
✗
It eliminates the need for security testing
Why it's wrong here
Security testing is still needed.
✗
It reduces the overall cost of development
Why it's wrong here
SDLC can add overhead; cost reduction is not guaranteed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — This question tests Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It provides a structured approach to system development — Options A and C are correct. A: SDLC provides structure and phases. C: SDLC includes user involvement. B is wrong because SDLC does not guarantee reduced cost; it may increase upfront cost. D is wrong because SDLC is not primarily for security testing. E is wrong because SDLC may not eliminate scope creep, but helps manage it.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISA NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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