Software Development Security Practice Questions
Master Software Development Security for the CISSP exam with comprehensive practice questions, detailed explanations, and proven study strategies.
1,200+
Practice Questions
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65K+
Students Passed
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of Exam
What You'll Learn
The 'Software Development Security' domain of the CISSP exam focuses on the secure design, development, and deployment of applications and systems. It covers critical concepts such as secure coding practices, software testing, and vulnerability management. Mastering this topic is essential for CISSP candidates, as software security is a fundamental aspect of protecting information assets and maintaining organizational resilience in the face of cyber threats.
Key Concepts
Secure Coding Principles
Secure coding principles are guidelines and best practices that developers should follow to write code that is resistant to common vulnerabilities, such as input validation errors, buffer overflows, and race conditions.
Static Code Analysis
Static code analysis is the process of examining source code without executing the program, in order to identify potential security vulnerabilities and coding errors early in the development lifecycle.
Software Vulnerability Management
Software vulnerability management involves the identification, assessment, and remediation of security vulnerabilities in software applications and systems. This includes processes for monitoring, prioritizing, and patching vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
Software Testing Methodologies
Software testing methodologies, such as white-box testing, black-box testing, and penetration testing, are used to evaluate the security and functionality of software applications throughout the development lifecycle.
Secure Software Deployment
Secure software deployment involves the processes and controls used to safely release and update software applications, including configuration management, change management, and release management.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to incorporate security requirements and controls into the software development lifecycle from the beginning.
- Relying solely on automated security scanning tools without conducting thorough manual code reviews and testing.
- Neglecting to keep software and libraries up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Lacking a comprehensive vulnerability management program to identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
- Insufficient testing of software applications for common vulnerabilities, such as injection flaws, cross-site scripting, and insecure data handling.
Sample Software Development Security Questions
Question 1
Which type of malware is MOST likely employed to gain or maintain elevated privileges on a compromised system? Choose the single most accurate answer.
Rootkit
(Correct)Malware
Spyware
Botnet
Explanation:
Correct answer: Rootkit. A rootkit is employed to gain or maintain elevated privileges on a compromised system. Rootkits commonly disguise themselves as system-level services to remain undetected. They often have kernel-level access, making detection and removal very challenging. Spyware secretly mo...
Question 2
Which software development approach places a strong emphasis on risk analysis, particularly when used in conjunction with rapid production and prototyping strategies?
Spiral model
(Correct)Waterfall model
Joint analysis development
Clean room
Explanation:
Correct answer: Spiral model. The spiral model focuses on risk analysis and supports prototyping, leading to quick production and prototyping systems. This model originates from the waterfall model, with each spiral loop representing a complete iteration of the waterfall method. The waterfall model ...
Question 3
An attacker successfully takes over a typical user's account and installs malicious software on the system. Of the options below, which statement BEST explains the primary purpose of a rootkit?
To obtain or keep elevated privileges.
(Correct)To monitor user actions and send the data elsewhere as spyware.
To spread through the network and encrypt data like ransomware.
To change its code as it spreads to evade detection by signature analysis.
Explanation:
Correct answer: To obtain or keep elevated privileges. A rootkit's main function is to obtain or keep elevated privileges on a system. Rootkits often operate as system-level services to hide their presence and often have kernel-level access, making them difficult to find and remove. Spyware is for m...
Study Tips for Software Development Security
Familiarize yourself with the OWASP Top 10 and other common web application vulnerabilities, and understand how to prevent and mitigate them.
Practice applying secure coding principles and patterns, such as input validation, output encoding, and secure error handling.
Understand the different software testing methodologies and when to apply them throughout the development lifecycle.
Learn about the software vulnerability management lifecycle, including vulnerability identification, assessment, and remediation.
Review case studies and real-world examples of software security incidents to understand the practical implications of secure software development.
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Related CISSP Topics
CISSP Question Types
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Software Development Security questions are on the CISSP?
Software Development Security makes up approximately 11% of the CISSP exam. Upsero includes hundreds of practice questions covering all aspects of this topic.
How do I study for Software Development Security?
Start with understanding the key concepts, then practice with realistic exam questions. Upsero's ReadyScore tracks your mastery of Software Development Security so you know when you're ready for the real exam.
Are the practice questions similar to the real CISSP?
Yes! Our Software Development Security questions are designed to match the exact format, difficulty, and style of the actual CISSP exam. Many students say our questions are even harder than the real exam.
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