CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
During a threat model, you identify a risk related to 'Broken Access Control'. Which design mitigation is best suited for this?
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
✓
Enforcing centralized, server-side authorization checks for every request.
Policy-based access control (RBAC or ABAC) ensures users only access resources they are authorized to.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Using HTTPS for all communications.
Why it's wrong here
This addresses transit security, not access control.
- ✗
Implementing a strong password policy.
Why it's wrong here
This addresses authentication, not authorization.
- ✗
Relying on client-side hidden fields to identify user roles.
Why it's wrong here
Client-side data can be easily manipulated by the user.
- ✓
Enforcing centralized, server-side authorization checks for every request.
Why this is correct
This ensures consistent and secure access control enforcement.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
About these practice questions
One of 198 original CSSLP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. 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.