hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: A cloud security architect is designing an API…
A cloud security architect is designing an API gateway for a microservices application. The gateway must authenticate requests, enforce rate limiting, and log all transactions for audit. Which of the following security controls is most critical to protect against API abuse?
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 rate limiting and throttling based on client identity and request volume.
Rate limiting and throttling directly prevent API abuse by limiting request frequency based on client identity and volume. Option B is incorrect because encryption protects data in transit but does not prevent abuse. Option C is incorrect because input validation prevents injection attacks but not volume-based abuse. Option D is incorrect because API keys authenticate clients but do not limit usage; rate limiting is required for abuse protection.
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 rate limiting and throttling based on client identity and request volume.
Why this is correct
Rate limiting directly mitigates abuse by controlling request rates.
- ✗
Use TLS 1.3 to encrypt all traffic between clients and the gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption ensures confidentiality but does not prevent abuse.
- ✗
Validate and sanitize all input parameters to prevent injection attacks.
Why it's wrong here
Input validation prevents injection but not abuse like DDoS.
- ✗
Require API keys for all requests and revoke keys of suspicious clients.
Why it's wrong here
API keys identify clients but do not limit frequency of requests.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.