- A
Signing container images
Why wrong: Image signing ensures integrity but doesn't control package sources.
- B
Implementing dependency scanning with Snyk
Why wrong: Dependency scanning identifies vulnerabilities but doesn't block unapproved packages.
- C
Using a private artifact registry with allow-lists
A private registry restricts dependencies to those approved.
- D
Running SAST scans on all source code
Why wrong: SAST scans source code, but doesn't control dependency sources.
Question 991 of 1,000
CCSP Cloud Application Security Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud application security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
In a DevSecOps pipeline for a cloud application, which practice best ensures that only approved open-source components are used?
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
✓
Using a private artifact registry with allow-lists
Option C is correct because a private artifact registry with allow-lists enforces a whitelist of approved open-source components, preventing developers from pulling unvetted dependencies directly from public repositories. This ensures that only components that have passed security and compliance reviews are used in the pipeline, directly addressing the requirement for 'approved' open-source components.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Signing container images
Why it's wrong here
Image signing ensures integrity but doesn't control package sources.
- ✗
Implementing dependency scanning with Snyk
Why it's wrong here
Dependency scanning identifies vulnerabilities but doesn't block unapproved packages.
- ✓
Using a private artifact registry with allow-lists
Why this is correct
A private registry restricts dependencies to those approved.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Running SAST scans on all source code
Why it's wrong here
SAST scans source code, but doesn't control dependency sources.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between detection tools (like Snyk or SAST) and enforcement controls (like allow-lists), so candidates mistakenly choose a scanning tool that finds vulnerabilities rather than a policy-based mechanism that prevents unapproved components from being used at all.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A private artifact registry (e.g., JFrog Artifactory, AWS CodeArtifact) can be configured with allow-lists using repository-level permissions or virtual repositories that proxy only approved external sources. Under the hood, the registry acts as a gatekeeper: if a component is not in the allow-list, the build fails at the dependency resolution stage, preventing unapproved code from entering the pipeline. In a real-world scenario, a team might use a curated list of vetted library versions to avoid supply chain attacks like dependency confusion or typo-squatting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Cloud Application Security — This question tests Cloud Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using a private artifact registry with allow-lists — Option C is correct because a private artifact registry with allow-lists enforces a whitelist of approved open-source components, preventing developers from pulling unvetted dependencies directly from public repositories. This ensures that only components that have passed security and compliance reviews are used in the pipeline, directly addressing the requirement for 'approved' open-source components.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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