Quick Answer
The answer is requirements gathering and security testing. These two phases are fundamental to a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) because security must be defined before any code is written and validated before any deployment occurs. During requirements gathering, you establish security controls, threat models, and compliance needs, which prevents costly rework later. Security testing, performed during the testing phase, verifies that those controls function correctly and that vulnerabilities are caught before release. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the "shift left" principle—integrating security as early as possible. A common trap is confusing production operations or retirement with active development phases; remember that security after deployment is reactive, not proactive. A useful memory tip is "Define then Defend": define security in requirements, then defend it through testing before going live.
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 fundamental phases of a secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) where security should be integrated? (Select exactly two.)
Testing and validation
Security testing should occur before release.
Software retirement
Why wrong: Retirement is the final phase, not a primary integration point.
User acceptance testing
Why wrong: UAT is functional, not security-focused.
Production operations
Why wrong: Operations are after deployment; SSDLC includes earlier phases.
Requirements gathering
Security requirements should be defined at the start.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Testing and validation
Options C and E are correct. Security requirements must be defined early; security testing should be performed before deployment. Option A is wrong because production operations are post-deployment. Option B is wrong because retirement is final. Option D is wrong because it is too late.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Testing and validation
Why this is correct
Security testing should occur before release.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Software retirement
Why it's wrong here
Retirement is the final phase, not a primary integration point.
User acceptance testing
Why it's wrong here
UAT is functional, not security-focused.
Production operations
Why it's wrong here
Operations are after deployment; SSDLC includes earlier phases.
Requirements gathering
Why this is correct
Security requirements should be defined at the start.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Testing and validation — Options C and E are correct. Security requirements must be defined early; security testing should be performed before deployment. Option A is wrong because production operations are post-deployment. Option B is wrong because retirement is final. Option D is wrong because it is too late.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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