ISC Systems Security Engineering Foundations Practice Question
When designing a secure system architecture, which TWO of the following are primary considerations for achieving the principle of 'Defense in Depth'?
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
✓
Applying security controls at multiple architectural layers
Defense in depth relies on layering security controls so that a single failure does not result in a total system 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.
- ✓
Applying security controls at multiple architectural layers
Why this is correct
Layering is the core concept of defense in depth.
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Relying solely on perimeter authentication
Why it's wrong here
Relying on one layer is the opposite of defense in depth.
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Maximizing system throughput by minimizing encryption
Why it's wrong here
This prioritizes performance over security and does not contribute to depth.
- ✗
Implementing a single high-availability firewall
Why it's wrong here
A single point of failure violates the principle of redundancy and depth.
- ✓
Ensuring diversity in security technologies and controls
Why this is correct
Using diverse controls prevents a single exploit from bypassing all layers.
About these practice questions
This ISC question is part of Courseiva's 209-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 ISC 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 ISC exam.