CSSLP Secure Software Requirements Practice Question
You are eliciting security requirements for an application that must comply with PCI-DSS. What is the most effective way to identify the scope of the systems requiring the highest level of 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
✓
Map the data flow of credit card information
PCI-DSS requires identifying the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) to define the scope of compliance, which is the most critical first step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform a network vulnerability scan
Why it's wrong here
Scanning helps verify security, but it does not define the architectural scope of the CDE.
- ✓
Map the data flow of credit card information
Why this is correct
Mapping data flows identifies exactly which components interact with sensitive data, defining the compliance scope.
- ✗
Review the application source code
Why it's wrong here
Code review is a verification step, not a requirement elicitation methodology.
- ✗
Update the firewall rule set
Why it's wrong here
Firewall configuration is a technical control, not an elicitation process.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every CSSLP question from scratch — 198 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or 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.