The answer is pre-commit hooks that run linters and secret scanners, as these are the first security check in a DevSecOps pipeline. This is correct because shift-left security in DevSecOps means moving security as far left in the development lifecycle as possible, and pre-commit hooks execute on the developer’s local machine before any code is committed to the repository, catching issues like hardcoded secrets or syntax flaws at the earliest possible moment and drastically reducing remediation cost. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the software development security domain, specifically the order of security controls in a CI/CD pipeline; a common trap is confusing pre-commit hooks with SAST, which runs after commit but before build, or with DAST and container scanning, which occur much later. Remember the memory tip: “Pre-commit prevents problems—scan before you stash.”
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development 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.
A DevOps team is implementing a DevSecOps pipeline. Which of the following should be introduced first in the pipeline to catch security issues early and reduce remediation cost?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Pre-commit hooks that run linters and secret scanners
Option B is correct because pre-commit hooks run on the developer's machine before code is committed, catching issues very early. Option A is wrong because SAST is typically run after code is committed but before build. Option C is wrong because DAST is run after deployment. Option D is wrong because container scanning occurs after image creation.
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.
✗
Container vulnerability scanning after image build
Why it's wrong here
Container scanning is important but occurs after the image is built, later than pre-commit.
✗
Static application security testing (SAST) during the build stage
Why it's wrong here
SAST is effective but occurs after commit, later than pre-commit.
✓
Pre-commit hooks that run linters and secret scanners
Why this is correct
Pre-commit hooks catch issues before code is committed, the earliest point in the pipeline.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Dynamic application security testing (DAST) in staging environment
Why it's wrong here
DAST is late in the pipeline, after deployment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pre-commit hooks that run linters and secret scanners — Option B is correct because pre-commit hooks run on the developer's machine before code is committed, catching issues very early. Option A is wrong because SAST is typically run after code is committed but before build. Option C is wrong because DAST is run after deployment. Option D is wrong because container scanning occurs after image creation.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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