CSSLP Secure Software Concepts Practice Question
You are designing a system to comply with 'Fail-Safe Defaults'. Which configuration best reflects 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
✓
If the authorization check fails, explicitly deny the request.
Fail-safe defaults mean that if an error or crash occurs, the system defaults to the most secure state (e.g., access denied).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
If the authorization check fails, explicitly deny the request.
Why this is correct
This is 'fail-closed', which is a secure default.
- ✗
If the authentication service is down, allow access to all users.
Why it's wrong here
This is 'fail-open', which is insecure.
- ✗
If the firewall fails, allow all traffic to pass through.
Why it's wrong here
This is 'fail-open', which is insecure.
- ✗
Default all new user accounts to 'Administrator' role.
Why it's wrong here
New accounts should have minimum permissions.
- ✗
If the load balancer times out, bypass the application logic.
Why it's wrong here
Bypassing logic is a security risk.
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.