Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0394

Which of the following is less likely to be included in the change control sub-phase of the maintenance phase of a software product?

A.
Estimating the cost of the changes requested
B. Recreating and analyzing the problem
C. Determining the interface that is presented to the user
D. Establishing the priorities of requests

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Change control sub-phase includes Recreating and analyzing the problem, Determining the interface that is presented to the user, and Establishing the priorities of requests. Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 252).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0393

Which of the following phases of a software development life cycle normally incorporates the security specifications, determines access controls, and evaluates encryption options?

A.
Detailed design
B. Implementation
C. Product design
D. Software plans and requirements

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The Product design phase deals with incorporating security specifications, adjusting test plans and data, determining access controls, design documentation, evaluating encryption options, and verification.
Implementation is incorrect because it deals with Installing security software, running the system, acceptance testing, security software testing, and complete documentation certification and accreditation (where necessary).
Detailed design is incorrect because it deals with information security policy, standards, legal issues, and the early validation of concepts. software plans and requirements is incorrect because it deals with addressesing threats, vulnerabilities, security requirements, reasonable care, due diligence, legal liabilities, cost/benefit analysis, level of protection desired, test plans.
Sources:
KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 252). KRUTZ, Ronald & VINES, Russel, The CISSP Prep Guide: Gold Edition, Wiley Publishing Inc., 2003, Chapter 7: Security Life Cycle Components, Figure 7.5 (page 346).
At which of the basic phases of the System Development Life Cycle are security requirements formalized?
A. Disposal
B. System Design Specifications
C. Development and Implementation
D. Functional Requirements Definition
Answer: D 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/800-64-Rev2/SP800-64-Rev… 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.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0392

Which of the following phases of a software development life cycle normally addresses Due Care and Due Diligence?

A.
Implementation
B. System feasibility
C. Product design
D. Software plans and requirements

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The software plans and requirements phase addresses threats, vulnerabilities, security requirements, reasonable care, due diligence, legal liabilities, cost/benefit analysis, level of protection desired, test plans.
Implementation is incorrect because it deals with Installing security software, running the system, acceptance testing, security software testing, and complete documentation certification and accreditation (where necessary).
System Feasibility is incorrect because it deals with information security policy, standards, legal issues, and the early validation of concepts.
Product design is incorrect because it deals with incorporating security specifications, adjusting test plans and data, determining access controls, design documentation, evaluating encryption options, and verification.
Sources:
KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 252). KRUTZ, Ronald & VINES, Russel, The CISSP Prep Guide: Gold Edition, Wiley Publishing Inc., 2003, Chapter 7: Security Life Cycle Components, Figure 7.5 (page 346).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0391

Which of the following test makes sure the modified or new system includes appropriate access controls and does not introduce any security holes that might compromise other systems?

A.
Recovery testing
B. Security testing
C. Stress/volume testing
D. Interface testing

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Security testing makes sure the modified or new system includes appropriate access controls and does not introduce any security holes that might compromise other systems.
Recovery testing checks the system’s ability to recover after a software or hardware failure.
Stress/volume testing involves testing an application with large quantities of data in order to evaluate performance during peak hours. Interface testing evaluates the connection of two or more components that pass information from one area to another.
Source: Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, Chapter 6: Business Application System Development, Acquisition, Implementation and Maintenance (page 300).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0390

Which of the following statements pertaining to software testing approaches is correct?

A.
A bottom-up approach allows interface errors to be detected earlier.
B. A top-down approach allows errors in critical modules to be detected earlier.
C. The test plan and results should be retained as part of the system's permanent documentation.
D. Black box testing is predicated on a close examination of procedural detail.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

A bottom-up approach to testing begins testing of atomic units, such as programs or modules, and works upwards until a complete system testing has taken place. It allows errors in critical modules to be found early. A top-down approach allows for early detection of interface errors and raises confidence in the system, as programmers and users actually see a working system. White box testing is predicated on a close examination of procedural detail. Black box testing examines some aspect of the system with little regard for the internal logical structure of the software. Source: Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, Chapter 6: Business Application System Development, Acquisition, Implementation and Maintenance (page 300).
Top Down Testing: An approach to integration testing where the component at the top of the component hierarchy is tested first, with lower level components being simulated by stubs. Tested components are then used to test lower level components. The process is repeated until the lowest level components have been tested.
Bottom Up Testing: An approach to integration testing where the lowest level components are tested first, then used to facilitate the testing of higher level components. The process is repeated until the component at the top of the hierarchy is tested.
Black Box Testing: Testing based on an analysis of the specification of a piece of software without reference to its internal workings. The goal is to test how well the component conforms to the published requirements for the component.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0389

Which of the following can be defined as the process of rerunning a portion of the test scenario or test plan to ensure that changes or corrections have not introduced new errors?

A.
Unit testing
B. Pilot testing
C. Regression testing
D. Parallel testing

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Regression testing is the process of rerunning a portion of the test scenario or test plan to ensure that changes or corrections have not introduced new errors. The data used in regression testing should be the same as the data used in the original test. Unit testing refers to the testing of an individual program or module. Pilot testing is a preliminary test that focuses only on specific and predetermined aspects of a system. Parallel testing is the process of feeding test data into two systems and comparing the results. Source: Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, Chapter 6: Business Application System Development, Acquisition, Implementation and Maintenance (page 300).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0388

Which of the following statements pertaining to software testing is incorrect?

A.
Unit testing should be addressed and considered when the modules are being designed.
B. Test data should be part of the specifications.
C. Testing should be performed with live data to cover all possible situations.
D. Test data generators can be used to systematically generate random test data that can be used to test programs.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Live or actual field data is not recommended for use in the testing procedures because both data types may not cover out of range situations and the correct outputs of the test are unknown. Live data would not be the best data to use because of the lack of anomalies and also because of the risk of exposure to your live data.
Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 251).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0387

Which of the following statements pertaining to a security policy is incorrect?

A.
Its main purpose is to inform the users, administrators and managers of their obligatory requirements for protecting technology and information assets.
B. It specifies how hardware and software should be used throughout the organization.
C. It needs to have the acceptance and support of all levels of employees within the organization in order for it to be appropriate and effective.
D. It must be flexible to the changing environment.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

A security policy would NOT define how hardware and software should be used throughout the organization. A standard or a procedure would provide such details but not a policy. A security policy is a formal statement of the rules that people who are given access to anorganization’s technology and information assets must abide. The policy communicates the security goals to all of the users, the administrators, and the managers. The goals will be largely determined by the following key tradeoffs: services offered versus security provided, ease of use versus security, and cost of security versus risk of loss.
The main purpose of a security policy is to inform the users, the administrators and the managers of their obligatory requirements for protecting technology and information assets.
The policy should specify the mechanisms through which these requirements can be met. Another purpose is to provide a baseline from which to acquire, configure and audit computer systems and networks for compliance with the policy. In order for a security policy to be appropriate and effective, it needs to have the acceptance and support of all levels of employees within the organization. A good security policy must:
• Be able to be implemented through system administration procedures, publishing of acceptable use guidelines, or other appropriate methods
• Be able to be enforced with security tools, where appropriate, and with sanctions, where actual prevention is not technically feasible
• Clearly define the areas of responsibility for the users, the administrators, and the managers
• Be communicated to all once it is established
• Be flexible to the changing environment of a computer network since it is a living document
Reference(s) used for this question:
National Security Agency, Systems and Network Attack Center (SNAC),The 60 Minute Network Security Guide, February 2002, page 7. or A local copy is kept at: https://www.freepracticetests.org/documents/The%2060%20Minute%20Net…

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0386

Which of the following is not a form of passive attack?

A.
Scavenging
B. Data diddling
C. Shoulder surfing
D. Sniffing

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Data diddling involves alteration of existing data and is extremely common. It is one of the easiest types of crimes to prevent by using access and accounting controls, supervision, auditing, separation of duties, and authorization limits. It is a form of active attack. All other choices are examples of passive attacks, only affecting confidentiality. Source: HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2002, Chapter 10: Law, Investigation, and Ethics (page 645).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0385

Which of the following would best classify as a management control?

A.
Review of security controls
B. Personnel security
C. Physical and environmental protection
D. Documentation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Management controls focus on the management of the IT security system and the management of risk for a system.
They are techniques and concerns that are normally addressed by management. Routine evaluations and response to identified vulnerabilities are important elements of managing the risk of a system, thus considered management controls.
SECURITY CONTROLS: The management, operational, and technical controls (i.e.,safeguards or countermeasures) prescribed for an information system to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and its information.
SECURITY CONTROL BASELINE: The set of minimum security controls defined for a low-impact, moderate-impact,or high-impact information system.
The following are incorrect answers: Personnel security, physical and environmental protection and documentation are forms of operational controls.
Reference(s) used for this question:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/drafts/800-53-rev4/sp800-53-rev4-… and FIPS PUB 200 at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/fips/fips200/FIPS-200-final-march…