CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
When designing a secure API, which THREE of the following practices are part of a 'defense in depth' strategy?
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
✓
Enforcing mutual TLS (mTLS) for authentication.
Input validation, rate limiting, and mTLS are three different layers of defense protecting the API.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enforcing mutual TLS (mTLS) for authentication.
Why this is correct
Provides strong identity and transport security.
- ✓
Implementing rate limiting at the API gateway.
Why this is correct
Prevents DoS/brute force.
- ✗
Hardcoding API keys in the code for efficiency.
Why it's wrong here
This is a security anti-pattern.
- ✗
Relying solely on the WAF for security.
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth requires controls at multiple layers.
- ✓
Implementing input validation for all parameters.
Why this is correct
Primary defense against injection.
About these practice questions
One of 198 original CSSLP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. 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.