The correct answer is to include security requirements in user stories and conduct threat modeling each iteration. This approach embeds security directly into the Agile SDLC by treating security as a functional requirement that evolves with each sprint, while iterative threat modeling proactively identifies and mitigates risks as new features are developed. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) and how to shift security left in Agile environments—a common trap is assuming that security can be deferred to a final release phase or replaced entirely by automated scans, which misses critical design-level flaws. Remember the mnemonic “STAR”: Security stories, Threat modeling, Agile iterations, Risk reduction—ensuring security is a continuous, integrated practice rather than a gate at the end.
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 transitioning from waterfall to agile development. How should security be integrated into the new process to align with the SDLC?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Include security requirements in user stories and conduct threat modeling each iteration
Option D is correct because iterative threat modeling and security user stories ensure security is part of each sprint. Option A is wrong because security only at release misses early flaws. Option B is wrong because skipping threat modeling increases risk. Option C is wrong because automated scans alone cannot replace threat modeling.
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.
✗
Perform a single security review at the end of the release cycle
Why it's wrong here
This is a waterfall approach; agile requires iterative security.
✗
Conduct security testing only during the integration phase
Why it's wrong here
Security should be continuous throughout the sprint.
✗
Skip threat modeling and rely solely on automated scanning
Why it's wrong here
Threat modeling identifies design flaws that scanners miss.
✓
Include security requirements in user stories and conduct threat modeling each iteration
Why this is correct
This embeds security into agile practices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: Include security requirements in user stories and conduct threat modeling each iteration — Option D is correct because iterative threat modeling and security user stories ensure security is part of each sprint. Option A is wrong because security only at release misses early flaws. Option B is wrong because skipping threat modeling increases risk. Option C is wrong because automated scans alone cannot replace threat modeling.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An organization is migrating from a waterfall to an Agile development methodology. Which of the following is a key security advantage of Agile?
easy
A.Security testing is performed only at the end of the project
✓ B.Security issues can be addressed incrementally throughout development
C.Security requirements are finalized upfront
D.Security documentation is minimized to reduce overhead
Why B: In Agile development, security testing and remediation are integrated into each iteration (sprint), allowing teams to identify and fix vulnerabilities incrementally rather than waiting until the end. This continuous feedback loop reduces the risk of late-stage security surprises and aligns with the principle of 'shifting left' on security.
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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
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