hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A DevOps team implements a CI/CD pipeline for a…
A DevOps team implements a CI/CD pipeline for a web application. Which security control is BEST to ensure that only properly reviewed code reaches production?
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
✓
Require a manual approval gate before deployment
Requiring a manual approval gate ensures a human has reviewed the code before deployment, which is the best way to ensure only properly reviewed code reaches production. Option A is wrong because SAST (static application security testing) is automated and may miss logic flaws or business logic issues that require human review. Option C is wrong because automated unit and integration tests verify functionality but do not constitute a code review; they can pass even if the code has logic errors or security issues not covered by tests. Option D is wrong because code signing ensures the integrity and authenticity of artifacts but does not involve reviewing the code content for correctness or security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run static application security testing (SAST) in the pipeline
Why it's wrong here
SAST helps but does not eliminate the need for manual review.
- ✓
Require a manual approval gate before deployment
Why this is correct
Ensures human review of code changes, catching issues automation might miss.
- ✗
Run automated unit tests and integration tests
Why it's wrong here
Automated tests catch functional issues but not necessarily security logic.
- ✗
Implement code signing for all artifacts
Why it's wrong here
Signing ensures integrity and provenance, not review quality.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.