CISSP Practice Questions: Security Architecture and Engineering Domain

Published: June 9, 2025 | 5 min read

Test your CISSP knowledge with 5 practice questions from the Security Architecture and Engineering domain. Includes detailed explanations and answers.

CISSP Practice Questions

Master the Security Architecture and Engineering Domain

Test your knowledge in the Security Architecture and Engineering domain with these 5 practice questions. Each question is designed to help you prepare for the CISSP certification exam with detailed explanations to reinforce your learning.

Question 1

A financial institution needs to comply with regulatory requirements for data encryption. Which encryption standard is most suitable for protecting sensitive financial data?

A) Data Encryption Standard (DES)

B) Triple DES (3DES)

C) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

D) Blowfish

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: CORRECT: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is widely recognized for its strength and efficiency, making it suitable for protecting sensitive financial data. OPTION A: DES is outdated and considered insecure. OPTION B: 3DES is more secure than DES but less efficient and considered weaker than AES. OPTION C: AES is the most suitable choice due to its strength and efficiency. OPTION D: Blowfish is secure but not as widely adopted as AES for financial data.

Question 2

A company is selecting a new encryption standard for data at rest. Which factor is most critical in ensuring the chosen standard provides adequate security?

A) The cost of implementation

B) The key length of the encryption standard

C) The vendor's reputation

D) The speed of encryption and decryption

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: The key length determines the strength of the encryption and its resistance to attacks. OPTION A: Cost is a consideration but not related to security strength. OPTION B: Vendor reputation is important but does not directly affect encryption security. OPTION C: Speed affects performance but not the security level of the encryption. OPTION D: Encryption speed is important for performance, not security strength.

Question 3

What is the most effective method to protect against SQL injection attacks in a web application?

A) Implementing web application firewalls

B) Using parameterized queries

C) Conducting regular security audits

D) Applying input validation on user inputs

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: CORRECT: Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by ensuring that user inputs are treated as data, not executable code. OPTION A: WAFs help but can't guarantee protection against all injection attacks. OPTION B: Audits identify vulnerabilities but do not directly prevent injections. OPTION C: Input validation is helpful but can be bypassed if not properly implemented. OPTION D: Validation is important but not as effective as parameterized queries in preventing injection.

Question 4

An organization is designing a new data center with enhanced security measures. Which of the following technologies would provide the best protection against unauthorized physical access while allowing authorized personnel seamless entry?

A) CCTV surveillance

B) Biometric access controls

C) Security guards

D) Mantraps

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Biometric access controls provide a high level of security because they are based on unique physical characteristics, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access. While other options add value, biometrics offer both security and convenience for authorized personnel.

Question 5

A security engineer is tasked with improving the security posture of a web application. Which of the following practices should be prioritized to defend against injection attacks?

A) Implementing CAPTCHAs

B) Input validation and parameterized queries

C) Using SSL/TLS

D) Deploying a WAF

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Input validation and parameterized queries are essential for preventing injection attacks, as they ensure that user inputs are treated as data rather than executable code. CAPTCHAs, SSL/TLS, and WAFs are useful but address different aspects of web application security.

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About CISSP Certification

The CISSP certification validates your expertise in security architecture and engineering and other critical domains. Our comprehensive practice questions are carefully crafted to mirror the actual exam experience and help you identify knowledge gaps before test day.

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