CISSP Practice Questions: Security Assessment and Testing Domain (Domain 1)

Published: June 9, 2025 | 5 min read

Test your CISSP knowledge with 5 practice questions from the Security Assessment and Testing domain (domain 1). Includes detailed explanations and answers.

CISSP Practice Questions

Master the Security Assessment and Testing Domain (domain 1)

Test your knowledge in the Security Assessment and Testing domain (domain 1) 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

During a routine security assessment, it is discovered that a critical server has not been receiving updates due to a configuration error. What should be the primary focus in addressing this issue?

A) Reconfigure the server to receive updates and apply all pending patches.

B) Conduct a risk assessment to determine the impact of missing updates.

C) Notify the server administrator to investigate the configuration error.

D) Isolate the server from the network until it is fully updated.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: CORRECT: Reconfiguring the server to receive updates and applying all pending patches addresses the immediate security risk posed by missing updates. OPTION A: Applying patches resolves the security vulnerability. OPTION B: Risk assessment is valuable but doesn't address the immediate vulnerability. OPTION C: Notifying the administrator is necessary but doesn't directly fix the issue. OPTION D: Isolation is a temporary measure and doesn't resolve the configuration error.

Question 2

An organization is conducting a security assessment of its physical security controls. Which aspect should be prioritized to ensure security?

A) The cost of physical security measures.

B) The ease of access for authorized personnel.

C) The effectiveness of access control mechanisms.

D) The aesthetic impact of security measures.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The effectiveness of access control mechanisms is crucial to ensuring physical security. Cost (A), ease of access (B), and aesthetics (D) are important but secondary to security effectiveness.

Question 3

As a CISO at a multinational corporation, you're tasked with ensuring all security controls are effective and aligned with business objectives. During a quarterly review, you notice some discrepancies between expected outcomes and control effectiveness in the European division. What is the best course of action to address this issue?

A) Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment specifically for the European division.

B) Implement a new set of standardized controls across all divisions.

C) Re-evaluate the current controls in the European division and adjust them according to local compliance requirements.

D) Initiate a company-wide security awareness program to mitigate human error.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Option C is correct because it focuses on aligning controls with local compliance, which is crucial in a multinational context. Option A is too broad and may not address specific compliance issues. Option B could lead to non-compliance with local regulations. Option D, while valuable, does not directly address control effectiveness discrepancies.

Question 4

An organization is conducting a security assessment of its third-party vendors. Which factor is most critical to evaluate during this process?

A) The vendor's pricing model and cost structure.

B) The vendor's compliance with industry standards.

C) The vendor's ability to scale services as needed.

D) The vendor's geographical location and proximity.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Evaluating the vendor's compliance with industry standards ensures they meet required security benchmarks. Pricing (A), scalability (C), and location (D) are important but secondary to security compliance.

Question 5

An organization is preparing for a security audit and needs to ensure its incident response procedures are effective. Which of the following is the best method to evaluate the incident response plan?

A) Conduct a tabletop exercise with key stakeholders.

B) Review the incident response plan documentation.

C) Interview the incident response team members.

D) Perform a vulnerability assessment.

Show Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Conducting a tabletop exercise allows stakeholders to simulate an incident in a controlled environment, testing the effectiveness and practicality of the incident response plan. Option B only reviews documentation without practical validation. Option C gathers information but does not test the plan. Option D focuses on finding vulnerabilities, not testing response procedures.

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About CISSP Certification

The CISSP certification validates your expertise in security assessment and testing (domain 1) 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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