hardMultiple Choice
CCSP Practice Question: Which runtime security control monitors…
Which runtime security control monitors application behavior and can block attacks by analyzing application logic and context?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CCSP exam often tests the distinction between network-layer controls (WAF) and application-layer controls (RASP), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose WAF because they think it 'analyzes application logic' when in fact WAFs rely on signatures and patterns, not runtime context.
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
✓
Runtime application self-protection (RASP)
C is correct because Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) is a security technology that is integrated into an application's runtime environment, allowing it to monitor actual application behavior and context (e.g., input validation, SQL queries, API calls) in real time. Unlike external controls, RASP can understand the application's logic and data flow, enabling it to block attacks such as SQL injection or command injection by analyzing the specific context of each request.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Web application firewall (WAF)
Why it's wrong here
A WAF filters HTTP traffic against signatures and rules, lacking awareness of application logic and session context needed to block logic attacks. It tempts as a perimeter blocker, and would be correct for filtering known web exploits such as SQL injection.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
An IDS detects and alerts on suspicious runtime activity but does not block it; the question requires blocking based on application logic and context. It tempts because it monitors behaviour, and would be correct for passive detection and alerting.
- ✓
Runtime application self-protection (RASP)
Why this is correct
RASP instruments the running application and its runtime, inspecting calls and data flow in context to detect and block attacks such as injection in real time. Unlike perimeter controls, it analyses application logic, satisfying the requirement to block based on behaviour and context.
- ✗
Static application security testing (SAST)
Why it's wrong here
SAST analyses source code before deployment, so it cannot observe or block live runtime behaviour. It tempts because it examines application logic, and would be correct during development or CI pipelines to find flaws early.
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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.