This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud application security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which TWO of the following are key components of a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) in a cloud environment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Automated static application security testing (SAST) during code commit.
Automated SAST during code commit is a key component of a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) in a cloud environment because it enables early detection of vulnerabilities (e.g., injection flaws, buffer overflows) by scanning source code as it is committed to the repository. This shift-left approach integrates security directly into the CI/CD pipeline, preventing flaws from progressing to later stages where remediation is more costly and complex.
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.
✓
Automated static application security testing (SAST) during code commit.
Why this is correct
Identifies vulnerabilities early in development.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Conducting code reviews with a security focus.
Why this is correct
Peer review helps identify security flaws.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Performing security testing only after deployment to production.
Why it's wrong here
Testing should be done earlier to fix issues before release.
✗
Mandatory security awareness training for developers.
Why it's wrong here
Training is important but is a prerequisite, not part of the lifecycle process.
✗
Integration of unit tests that check for security functionality.
Why it's wrong here
Unit tests usually verify correctness, not security.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between core technical components of the SSDLC (like automated SAST and security-focused code reviews) versus supporting activities (like training or unit tests) that are beneficial but not mandatory for the lifecycle itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Automated SAST tools (e.g., Checkmarx, Fortify, SonarQube) analyze source code statically by building an abstract syntax tree (AST) and applying pattern-matching rules against common vulnerability databases (e.g., CWE, OWASP Top 10). In a cloud CI/CD pipeline (e.g., GitHub Actions, AWS CodePipeline), SAST is triggered on every commit via webhooks, and results are fed back to developers as pull request comments, enabling immediate remediation. A real-world scenario: a misconfigured SAST rule might miss a SQL injection due to dynamic query construction, requiring complementary DAST or IAST testing later.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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.
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: Automated static application security testing (SAST) during code commit. — Automated SAST during code commit is a key component of a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) in a cloud environment because it enables early detection of vulnerabilities (e.g., injection flaws, buffer overflows) by scanning source code as it is committed to the repository. This shift-left approach integrates security directly into the CI/CD pipeline, preventing flaws from progressing to later stages where remediation is more costly and complex.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.