CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
An organization is moving a monolithic application to a microservices architecture. Which security design pattern is most effective for centralizing authentication while decoupling it from individual microservices?
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
✓
API Gateway pattern acting as an identity provider proxy.
The API Gateway pattern centralizes authentication, preventing every microservice from having to implement its own logic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Centralized database user management.
Why it's wrong here
Does not address service-level authentication or architectural design.
- ✓
API Gateway pattern acting as an identity provider proxy.
Why this is correct
Centralizes auth logic for easier management and consistent policy enforcement.
- ✗
Service Mesh with mutual TLS enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on network-level security and service discovery.
- ✗
Sidecar pattern using a local proxy for mTLS.
Why it's wrong here
This secures traffic but does not centralize application-level auth.
About these practice questions
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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.