CSSLP Secure Software Architecture And Design Practice Question
Which design principle is exemplified by implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to inspect incoming traffic before it hits the application logic?
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
✓
Defense in depth.
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security to protect assets, ensuring that one failure does not lead to a total compromise.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Fail-safe defaults.
Why it's wrong here
Ensures systems are secure if they fail, which is not the primary purpose of a WAF.
- ✗
Complete mediation.
Why it's wrong here
Ensures every access is checked, but WAF is a layer, not a mediation mechanism.
- ✗
Economy of mechanism.
Why it's wrong here
Focuses on keeping the design simple.
- ✓
Defense in depth.
Why this is correct
Adding a WAF provides a layer of defense before the application logic.
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.