CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
When designing an application that relies on external APIs, which THREE of the following are necessary security considerations?
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
✓
Managing API keys using a secure vault.
Validating input, securing transport, and managing API keys are crucial for third-party integrations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Only using HTTP for faster communication.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS is mandatory for security.
- ✓
Managing API keys using a secure vault.
Why this is correct
Prevents credential leakage.
- ✗
Hard-coding the API endpoint URLs in the application.
Why it's wrong here
URLs should be configurable, but hard-coding is not a security best practice.
- ✓
Validating all data returned by the external API before processing.
Why this is correct
External APIs can be compromised.
- ✓
Securing the connection using HTTPS/TLS.
Why this is correct
Essential for transit security.
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.