The correct answer is to hash the password with bcrypt using a unique salt per user. This approach is the most secure because bcrypt is a deliberately slow, adaptive hashing algorithm that resists brute-force and GPU-based attacks, while the unique salt per user defeats precomputation attacks like rainbow tables. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of the Domain 3 (Security Architecture and Engineering) concept that password storage must use a one-way, salted hash—never reversible encryption or unsalted hashing. A common trap is confusing encryption with hashing: encryption is reversible if the key is compromised, whereas hashing is designed to be irreversible. Remember the mnemonic “Salted bcrypt, never decrypt” to recall that secure password storage requires a slow, salted hash, not a reversible cipher.
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 developer is tasked with securely storing user passwords in a database. Which of the following is the most secure approach?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Hash the password with bcrypt using a unique salt per user
Option C is correct because using a strong, salted hashing algorithm like bcrypt is the industry standard for password storage. Option A is wrong because hashing without a salt allows precomputation attacks. Option B is wrong because encryption is reversible if the key is compromised. Option D is wrong because claiming not to store passwords is impractical for most applications.
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.
✗
Do not store passwords; use federated identity
Why it's wrong here
While federated identity reduces storage, it may not be feasible for all applications.
✓
Hash the password with bcrypt using a unique salt per user
Why this is correct
Bcrypt is a slow, salted hashing algorithm specifically designed for passwords.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Encrypt the password using AES and store the ciphertext
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is reversible; if the encryption key is stolen, passwords are exposed.
✗
Hash the password with MD5 and store the hash
Why it's wrong here
MD5 is outdated and vulnerable to rainbow tables; no salt is used.
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: Hash the password with bcrypt using a unique salt per user — Option C is correct because using a strong, salted hashing algorithm like bcrypt is the industry standard for password storage. Option A is wrong because hashing without a salt allows precomputation attacks. Option B is wrong because encryption is reversible if the key is compromised. Option D is wrong because claiming not to store passwords is impractical for most applications.
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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Question Discussion
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