The answer is threat modeling during the design phase and security testing during the verification phase. These two are the essential elements of a Secure SDLC because threat modeling proactively identifies and mitigates security flaws in the architecture before any code is written, while security testing validates that the implemented controls actually work and that no new vulnerabilities were introduced during development. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your grasp of the Software Development Security domain, specifically the standard phases that differentiate an SSDLC from a traditional one. A common trap is confusing functional testing, like user acceptance testing, with security-focused verification, or mistaking a post-development technique like code obfuscation for a lifecycle phase. Remember the mnemonic “Design to Verify” — threat modeling happens in design, security testing happens in verification, and everything else is either functional or an afterthought.
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.
Which TWO of the following are essential elements of a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC)? (Select exactly 2.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Security testing during the verification phase
Options A and B are correct because threat modeling during design and security testing during verification are standard phases in SSDLC. Option C is wrong because user acceptance testing is functional, not security-focused. Option D is wrong because code obfuscation is a post-development technique, not a lifecycle element. Option E is wrong because penetration testing is part of security testing, not a separate phase.
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.
✓
Security testing during the verification phase
Why this is correct
Security testing validates that security requirements are met.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Threat modeling during the design phase
Why this is correct
Threat modeling identifies threats early, a key SSDLC practice.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Code obfuscation after compilation
Why it's wrong here
Obfuscation is a hardening technique, not a lifecycle phase.
✗
Penetration testing after deployment
Why it's wrong here
Penetration testing is a type of security testing, but the question asks for phases of SSDLC.
✗
User acceptance testing before release
Why it's wrong here
UAT is functional, not specifically security.
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.
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: Security testing during the verification phase — Options A and B are correct because threat modeling during design and security testing during verification are standard phases in SSDLC. Option C is wrong because user acceptance testing is functional, not security-focused. Option D is wrong because code obfuscation is a post-development technique, not a lifecycle element. Option E is wrong because penetration testing is part of security testing, not a separate phase.
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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