CSSLP Secure Software Requirements Practice Question
In the context of 'Secure Software Requirements', what should the security team do when they encounter a conflict between usability and security?
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
✓
Conduct a risk-based assessment to find a balanced approach
Security requirements must be balanced with usability; the team should seek a solution that satisfies both if possible, or perform a risk assessment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ignore the usability concern
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring usability results in poor adoption and potentially insecure workarounds.
- ✗
Always prioritize security over usability
Why it's wrong here
An unusable system will be bypassed by users, defeating the purpose of security.
- ✓
Conduct a risk-based assessment to find a balanced approach
Why this is correct
A risk-based approach allows for informed trade-offs that maintain security without destroying usability.
- ✗
Ask the developers to make the final decision
Why it's wrong here
Developers should not make policy decisions regarding security vs usability trade-offs.
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.