SSCP Exam Question 517
Which of the following phases of a software development life cycle normally incorporates the security specifications, determines access controls, and evaluates encryption options?
Correct Answer: C
During the Functional Requirements Definition the project management and systems development teams will conduct a comprehensive analysis of current and possible future functional requirements to ensure that the new system will meet end-user needs. The teams also review the documents from the project initiation phase and make any revisions or updates as needed. For smaller projects, this phase is often subsumed in the project initiation phase. At this point security requirements should be formalized.
The Development Life Cycle is a project management tool that can be used to plan, execute, and control a software development project usually called the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
The SDLC is a process that includes systems analysts, software engineers, programmers, and end users in the project design and development. Because there is no industry-wide SDLC, an organization can use any one, or a combination of SDLC methods.
The SDLC simply provides a framework for the phases of a software development project from defining the functional requirements to implementation. Regardless of the method used, the SDLC outlines the essential phases, which can be shown together or as separate elements. The model chosen should be based on the project.
For example, some models work better with long-term, complex projects, while others are more suited for short-term projects. The key element is that a formalized SDLC is utilized.
The number of phases can range from three basic phases (concept, design, and implement) on up.
The basic phases of SDLC are:
Project initiation and planning Functional requirements definition System design specifications Development and implementation Documentation and common program controls Testing and evaluation control, (certification and accreditation) Transition to production (implementation)
The system life cycle (SLC) extends beyond the SDLC to include two additional phases:
Operations and maintenance support (post-installation) Revisions and system replacement
System Design Specifications This phase includes all activities related to designing the system and software. In this phase, the system architecture, system outputs, and system interfaces are designed. Data input, data flow, and output requirements are established and security features are designed, generally based on the overall security architecture for the company.
Development and Implementation During this phase, the source code is generated, test scenarios and test cases are developed, unit and integration testing is conducted, and the program and system are documented for maintenance and for turnover to acceptance testing and production. As well as general care for software quality, reliability, and consistency of operation, particular care should be taken to ensure that the code is analyzed to eliminate common vulnerabilities that might lead to security exploits and other risks.
Documentation and Common Program Controls These are controls used when editing the data within the program, the types of logging the program should be doing, and how the program versions should be stored. A large number of such controls may be needed, see the reference below for a full list of controls.
Acceptance In the acceptance phase, preferably an independent group develops test data and tests the code to ensure that it will function within the organization's environment and that it meets all the functional and security requirements. It is essential that an independent group test the code during all applicable stages of development to prevent a separation of duties issue. The goal of security testing is to ensure that the application meets its security requirements and specifications. The security testing should uncover all design and implementation flaws that would allow a user to violate the software security policy and requirements. To ensure test validity, the application should be tested in an environment that simulates the production environment. This should include a security certification package and any user documentation.
Certification and Accreditation (Security Authorization) Certification is the process of evaluating the security stance of the software or system against a predetermined set of security standards or policies. Certification also examines how well the system performs its intended functional requirements. The certification or evaluation document should contain an analysis of the technical and nontechnical security features and countermeasures and the extent to which the software or system meets the security requirements for its mission and operational environment.
Transition to Production (Implementation) During this phase, the new system is transitioned from the acceptance phase into the live production environment. Activities during this phase include obtaining security accreditation; training the new users according to the implementation and training schedules; implementing the system, including installation and data conversions; and, if necessary, conducting any parallel operations.
Revisions and System Replacement As systems are in production mode, the hardware and software baselines should be subject to periodic evaluations and audits. In some instances, problems with the application may not be defects or flaws, but rather additional functions not currently developed in the application. Any changes to the application must follow the same SDLC and be recorded in a change management system. Revision reviews should include security planning and procedures to avoid future problems. Periodic application audits should be conducted and include documenting security incidents when problems occur. Documenting system failures is a valuable resource for justifying future system enhancements.
Below you have the phases used by NIST in it's 800-63 Revision 2 document
As noted above, the phases will vary from one document to another one. For the purpose
of the exam use the list provided in the official ISC2 Study book which is presented in short
form above. Refer to the book for a more detailed description of activities at each of the
phases of the SDLC.
However, all references have very similar steps being used. As mentioned in the official
book, it could be as simple as three phases in it's most basic version (concept, design, and
implement) or a lot more in more detailed versions of the SDLC.
The key thing is to make use of an SDLC.

SDLC phases
Reference(s) used for this question:
NIST SP 800-64 Revision 2 at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-64Rev2/SP800-64-Revision2.pdf and Schneiter, Andrew (2013-04-15). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition: Software Development Security ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 134-157). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition.
The Development Life Cycle is a project management tool that can be used to plan, execute, and control a software development project usually called the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
The SDLC is a process that includes systems analysts, software engineers, programmers, and end users in the project design and development. Because there is no industry-wide SDLC, an organization can use any one, or a combination of SDLC methods.
The SDLC simply provides a framework for the phases of a software development project from defining the functional requirements to implementation. Regardless of the method used, the SDLC outlines the essential phases, which can be shown together or as separate elements. The model chosen should be based on the project.
For example, some models work better with long-term, complex projects, while others are more suited for short-term projects. The key element is that a formalized SDLC is utilized.
The number of phases can range from three basic phases (concept, design, and implement) on up.
The basic phases of SDLC are:
Project initiation and planning Functional requirements definition System design specifications Development and implementation Documentation and common program controls Testing and evaluation control, (certification and accreditation) Transition to production (implementation)
The system life cycle (SLC) extends beyond the SDLC to include two additional phases:
Operations and maintenance support (post-installation) Revisions and system replacement
System Design Specifications This phase includes all activities related to designing the system and software. In this phase, the system architecture, system outputs, and system interfaces are designed. Data input, data flow, and output requirements are established and security features are designed, generally based on the overall security architecture for the company.
Development and Implementation During this phase, the source code is generated, test scenarios and test cases are developed, unit and integration testing is conducted, and the program and system are documented for maintenance and for turnover to acceptance testing and production. As well as general care for software quality, reliability, and consistency of operation, particular care should be taken to ensure that the code is analyzed to eliminate common vulnerabilities that might lead to security exploits and other risks.
Documentation and Common Program Controls These are controls used when editing the data within the program, the types of logging the program should be doing, and how the program versions should be stored. A large number of such controls may be needed, see the reference below for a full list of controls.
Acceptance In the acceptance phase, preferably an independent group develops test data and tests the code to ensure that it will function within the organization's environment and that it meets all the functional and security requirements. It is essential that an independent group test the code during all applicable stages of development to prevent a separation of duties issue. The goal of security testing is to ensure that the application meets its security requirements and specifications. The security testing should uncover all design and implementation flaws that would allow a user to violate the software security policy and requirements. To ensure test validity, the application should be tested in an environment that simulates the production environment. This should include a security certification package and any user documentation.
Certification and Accreditation (Security Authorization) Certification is the process of evaluating the security stance of the software or system against a predetermined set of security standards or policies. Certification also examines how well the system performs its intended functional requirements. The certification or evaluation document should contain an analysis of the technical and nontechnical security features and countermeasures and the extent to which the software or system meets the security requirements for its mission and operational environment.
Transition to Production (Implementation) During this phase, the new system is transitioned from the acceptance phase into the live production environment. Activities during this phase include obtaining security accreditation; training the new users according to the implementation and training schedules; implementing the system, including installation and data conversions; and, if necessary, conducting any parallel operations.
Revisions and System Replacement As systems are in production mode, the hardware and software baselines should be subject to periodic evaluations and audits. In some instances, problems with the application may not be defects or flaws, but rather additional functions not currently developed in the application. Any changes to the application must follow the same SDLC and be recorded in a change management system. Revision reviews should include security planning and procedures to avoid future problems. Periodic application audits should be conducted and include documenting security incidents when problems occur. Documenting system failures is a valuable resource for justifying future system enhancements.
Below you have the phases used by NIST in it's 800-63 Revision 2 document
As noted above, the phases will vary from one document to another one. For the purpose
of the exam use the list provided in the official ISC2 Study book which is presented in short
form above. Refer to the book for a more detailed description of activities at each of the
phases of the SDLC.
However, all references have very similar steps being used. As mentioned in the official
book, it could be as simple as three phases in it's most basic version (concept, design, and
implement) or a lot more in more detailed versions of the SDLC.
The key thing is to make use of an SDLC.

SDLC phases
Reference(s) used for this question:
NIST SP 800-64 Revision 2 at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-64Rev2/SP800-64-Revision2.pdf and Schneiter, Andrew (2013-04-15). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition: Software Development Security ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 134-157). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition.
SSCP Exam Question 518
Which of the following protocols operates at the session layer (layer 5)?
Correct Answer: A
Section: Network and Telecommunications
Explanation/Reference:
Remotre Procedure Call (RPC) is the only of the above choices to operate at the session layer (layer 5).
All of the other answers were wrong.
LPD operates at layer 7
SPX operates at layer 4
IGMP operates at layer 3.
Reference:
WALLHOFF, John, CBK#2 Telecommunications and Network Security (CISSP Study Guide), April 2002 (page
1).
Explanation/Reference:
Remotre Procedure Call (RPC) is the only of the above choices to operate at the session layer (layer 5).
All of the other answers were wrong.
LPD operates at layer 7
SPX operates at layer 4
IGMP operates at layer 3.
Reference:
WALLHOFF, John, CBK#2 Telecommunications and Network Security (CISSP Study Guide), April 2002 (page
1).
SSCP Exam Question 519
Which of the following protection devices is used for spot protection within a few inches of the object, rather than for overall room security monitoring?
Correct Answer: B
Section: Access Control
Explanation/Reference:
Capacitance detectors monitor an electrical field surrounding the object being monitored. They are used for spot protection within a few inches of the object, rather than for overall room security monitoring used by wave detectors. Penetration of this field changes the electrical capacitance of the field enough to generate and alarm. Wave pattern motion detectors generate a frequency wave pattern and send an alarm if the pattern is disturbed as it is reflected back to its receiver. Field-powered devices are a type of personnel access control devices. Audio detectors simply monitor a room for any abnormal sound wave generation and trigger an alarm.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 10: Physical security (page 344).
Explanation/Reference:
Capacitance detectors monitor an electrical field surrounding the object being monitored. They are used for spot protection within a few inches of the object, rather than for overall room security monitoring used by wave detectors. Penetration of this field changes the electrical capacitance of the field enough to generate and alarm. Wave pattern motion detectors generate a frequency wave pattern and send an alarm if the pattern is disturbed as it is reflected back to its receiver. Field-powered devices are a type of personnel access control devices. Audio detectors simply monitor a room for any abnormal sound wave generation and trigger an alarm.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 10: Physical security (page 344).
SSCP Exam Question 520
In biometrics, the "one-to-one" search used to verify claim to an identity made by a person is considered:
Correct Answer: A
Section: Access Control
Explanation/Reference:
Biometric devices can be use for either IDENTIFICATION or AUTHENTICATION ONE TO ONE is for AUTHENTICATION This means that you as a user would provide some biometric credential such as your fingerprint. Then they will compare the template that you have provided with the one stored in the Database. If the two are exactly the same that prove that you are who you pretend to be.
ONE TO MANY is for IDENTIFICATION
A good example of this would be within airport. Many airports today have facial recognition cameras, as you walk through the airport it will take a picture of your face and then compare the template (your face) with a database full of templates and see if there is a match between your template and the ones stored in the Database. This is for IDENTIFICATION of a person.
Some additional clarification or comments that might be helpful are: Biometrics establish authentication using specific information and comparing results to expected data. It does not perform well for identification purposes such as scanning for a person's face in a moving crowd for example.
Identification methods could include: username, user ID, account number, PIN, certificate, token, smart card, biometric device or badge.
Auditing is a process of logging or tracking what was done after the identity and authentication process is completed.
Authorization is the rights the subject is given and is performed after the identity is established.
Reference OIG (2007) p148, 167
Authentication in biometrics is a "one-to-one" search to verify claim to an identity made by a person.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 38.
Explanation/Reference:
Biometric devices can be use for either IDENTIFICATION or AUTHENTICATION ONE TO ONE is for AUTHENTICATION This means that you as a user would provide some biometric credential such as your fingerprint. Then they will compare the template that you have provided with the one stored in the Database. If the two are exactly the same that prove that you are who you pretend to be.
ONE TO MANY is for IDENTIFICATION
A good example of this would be within airport. Many airports today have facial recognition cameras, as you walk through the airport it will take a picture of your face and then compare the template (your face) with a database full of templates and see if there is a match between your template and the ones stored in the Database. This is for IDENTIFICATION of a person.
Some additional clarification or comments that might be helpful are: Biometrics establish authentication using specific information and comparing results to expected data. It does not perform well for identification purposes such as scanning for a person's face in a moving crowd for example.
Identification methods could include: username, user ID, account number, PIN, certificate, token, smart card, biometric device or badge.
Auditing is a process of logging or tracking what was done after the identity and authentication process is completed.
Authorization is the rights the subject is given and is performed after the identity is established.
Reference OIG (2007) p148, 167
Authentication in biometrics is a "one-to-one" search to verify claim to an identity made by a person.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 38.
SSCP Exam Question 521
What is called the type of access control where there are pairs of elements that have the least upper bound of values and greatest lower bound of values?
Correct Answer: C
Explanation/Reference:
In a lattice model, there are pairs of elements that have the least upper bound of values and greatest lower bound of values.
Reference(s) used for this question:
KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 34.
In a lattice model, there are pairs of elements that have the least upper bound of values and greatest lower bound of values.
Reference(s) used for this question:
KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 34.
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