CSSLP Secure Software Concepts Practice Question
A security auditor reviews your code and flags that you are using 'hardcoded cryptographic keys' in the source repository. Which security concept is being violated?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Confidentiality
Hardcoded keys violate confidentiality because the keys are exposed to anyone with access to the source code.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoding keys does not directly impact availability.
- ✓
Confidentiality
Why this is correct
Exposing keys in source code leads to a breach of secret material, violating confidentiality.
- ✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
This is unrelated to credential management.
- ✗
Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity is about data modification, not key exposure.
- ✗
Accounting
Why it's wrong here
Accounting tracks user actions.
About these practice questions
This CSSLP question is part of Courseiva's 198-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CSSLP practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CSSLP exam.