CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
During a STRIDE threat modeling session for an API gateway, you identify a risk where an attacker could intercept data in transit. Which design pattern effectively mitigates this?
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
✓
Implement Mutual TLS (mTLS) for all inter-service communications.
TLS is the standard design pattern for ensuring confidentiality and integrity in transit.
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 OAuth 2.0 scopes on the API gateway.
Why it's wrong here
OAuth 2.0 scopes manage authorization, not transit security.
- ✗
Use a Hardware Security Module (HSM) to store API keys.
Why it's wrong here
HSM protects keys at rest, not data in transit.
- ✓
Implement Mutual TLS (mTLS) for all inter-service communications.
Why this is correct
mTLS provides both encryption and mutual identity verification.
- ✗
Enable request rate limiting on the gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Rate limiting protects against DoS, not interception.
About these practice questions
This CSSLP question is part of Courseiva's 198-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CSSLP practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CSSLP exam.