- A
Encrypting data at rest only
Why wrong: Encryption at rest is one layer; defense in depth would include encryption in transit and other controls.
- B
Implementing both a web application firewall (WAF) and input validation
Multiple layers (WAF and input validation) provide defense in depth against attacks.
- C
Using a single firewall at the network perimeter
Why wrong: A single firewall is a single layer, not defense in depth.
- D
Requiring strong passwords for all users
Why wrong: Strong passwords are a single control; defense in depth requires multiple layers.
Question 558 of 1,000
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 security architect is reviewing a design for an e-commerce application. The architect recommends implementing defense in depth. Which of the following is an example of this principle?
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
✓
Implementing both a web application firewall (WAF) and input validation
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls so that if one fails, others still provide protection.
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.
- ✗
Encrypting data at rest only
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest is one layer; defense in depth would include encryption in transit and other controls.
- ✓
Implementing both a web application firewall (WAF) and input validation
Why this is correct
Multiple layers (WAF and input validation) provide defense in depth against attacks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Using a single firewall at the network perimeter
Why it's wrong here
A single firewall is a single layer, not defense in depth.
- ✗
Requiring strong passwords for all users
Why it's wrong here
Strong passwords are a single control; defense in depth requires multiple layers.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
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: Implementing both a web application firewall (WAF) and input validation — Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls so that if one fails, others still provide protection.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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