The answer is to implement automated security scanning with gating (pass/fail) in the pipeline. This approach best achieves CI/CD security integration without slowing development because it embeds security checks directly into the automated workflow, providing immediate pass/fail feedback to developers without introducing manual delays or bottlenecks. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of DevSecOps principles under the Software Development Security domain, where the exam often presents distractors like manual code reviews or post-deployment audits that violate the core requirement of maintaining velocity. A common trap is choosing “after-the-fact reviews” because they seem thorough, but they fail to prevent flawed releases from reaching production. Remember the memory tip: “Gate early, fail fast, ship safe”—automated gates catch issues at the commit stage, not after deployment.
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 DevSecOps team wants to integrate security into the CI/CD pipeline without slowing down development. Which approach best achieves this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement automated security scanning with gating (pass/fail) in the pipeline
Option D is correct because automated security gates with pass/fail criteria provide fast feedback without manual delays. Option A is wrong because manual reviews are slow. Option B is wrong because skipping testing increases risk. Option C is wrong because after-the-fact reviews do not prevent flawed releases.
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 comprehensive security tests only on major releases
Why it's wrong here
Leaves vulnerabilities unchecked in minor releases.
✗
Conduct a security review after each release and fix issues retrospectively
Why it's wrong here
Reactive approach allows vulnerabilities into production.
✗
Require manual security sign-off before each production deployment
Why it's wrong here
Manual steps create bottlenecks.
✓
Implement automated security scanning with gating (pass/fail) in the pipeline
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
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: Implement automated security scanning with gating (pass/fail) in the pipeline — Option D is correct because automated security gates with pass/fail criteria provide fast feedback without manual delays. Option A is wrong because manual reviews are slow. Option B is wrong because skipping testing increases risk. Option C is wrong because after-the-fact reviews do not prevent flawed releases.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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