CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
In the context of secure design, what does 'Fail-safe defaults' mean when designing an authentication module?
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
✓
If a system error occurs during login, the system denies access by default.
If the module crashes or encounters an error, the system should default to 'deny' access rather than 'allow'.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The system automatically resets passwords if a login failure occurs.
Why it's wrong here
This is a functional requirement, not a security fail-safe.
- ✗
The system permits login if the authentication server is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
This is a failure of secure design, creating a bypass.
- ✓
If a system error occurs during login, the system denies access by default.
Why this is correct
This ensures security is maintained during failure states.
- ✗
All new users are granted guest access until the admin verifies them.
Why it's wrong here
This is a permissive, not fail-safe, approach.
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.