The answer is credential management for automated tools. This is the primary security concern because secrets such as API keys, passwords, and tokens must be stored and accessed by multiple automated systems throughout the pipeline, yet they frequently leak into version control logs, build artifacts, or error outputs if not properly handled. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the Software Development Security domain, specifically how CI/CD security credential management differs from traditional static environments—a common trap is confusing operational resistance or release frequency with technical vulnerabilities. Remember that while automated testing can be optimized and cultural resistance is a management issue, only credential mismanagement directly exposes sensitive assets to unauthorized access. Memory tip: think of the pipeline as a glass house—every secret you store must be locked in a vault, not left on the floor where logs can sweep it away.
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.
An organization is adopting DevOps. Which of the following is a primary security concern when integrating security into CI/CD pipelines?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Credential management for automated tools.
Credential management is critical; secrets like API keys and passwords often leak in pipeline logs or repositories. Automated testing does not inherently slow deployment if properly designed. Increased release frequency can be managed. Resistance is a cultural issue, not a technical security concern.
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.
✓
Credential management for automated tools.
Why this is correct
Hardcoded or improperly stored credentials are a common attack vector.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increased number of releases.
Why it's wrong here
More releases can be secure if pipelines are properly configured.
✗
Automated testing slows down deployment.
Why it's wrong here
Not primarily a security concern; performance can be optimized.
✗
Resistance from development teams.
Why it's wrong here
Cultural resistance is a challenge but not a technical security concern.
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 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.
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: Credential management for automated tools. — Credential management is critical; secrets like API keys and passwords often leak in pipeline logs or repositories. Automated testing does not inherently slow deployment if properly designed. Increased release frequency can be managed. Resistance is a cultural issue, not a technical security concern.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 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.
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.