Software Security Requirements

5 minutes 5 Questions

Software Security Requirements are the set of security-related specifications necessary to ensure that a software system is built and operates securely. These requirements are gathered during the initial planning and analysis stage of the SDLC and serve as the basis for subsequent design and development stages. By identifying and defining specific security needs, developers can ensure that they address potential vulnerabilities and meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements. Examples of security requirements may include data encryption, access control, logging and monitoring, and secure coding practices.

Guide: Software Security Requirements

What is Software Security Requirements?
Software security requirements define the desired functionalities that a software system should contain in order to provide a secure environment and maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information.

Why is it important?
Having robust software security requirements ensures that software is protected against vulnerabilities, threats, and attacks. It aids in maintaining customer trust and complying with industry security standards.

How does it work?
Software Security Requirements are usually formulated during the requirements gathering phase of the software development life cycle. They may include data encryption, user authentication mechanisms, secure data storage, etc. Incorporation and implementation of these requirements provides a layer of security to protect software from potential attacks or breaches.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Software Security Requirements
Understanding the concept of software security requirements is crucial for passing any exam related to software security, including CISSP. When answering questions, make sure to:
1. Refer to widely recognized security standards and best practices.
2. Understand the implications of not having robust security requirements.
3. Be able to differentiate between different types of security requirements (e.g., functional and non-functional).
4. Remember practical examples of software security requirements implementations.

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Question 1

A developer is working on a new application that requires handling sensitive user information. What requirement should be considered to ensure the protection of this information?

Allowing plaintext password storage Setting stateless architecture Encryption Using session tokens for authentication

Correct Answer: Encryption

Encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information, as it ensures that it cannot be read by unauthorized individuals. Other options may be appropriate for other scenarios or as part of a broader security architecture but do not directly address protecting such information.

Question 2

A company wants to improve the security of an application that has been the target of SQL injection attacks. What should they implement to reduce the risk of these attacks?

Encryption Use of an external library Multi-factor authentication Parameterized queries

Correct Answer: Parameterized queries

Parameterized queries help secure an application against SQL injection attacks because they separate user data from the SQL command, making it difficult for attackers to inject malicious code. Other options, while possibly useful for other security concerns, do not specifically address SQL injection.

Question 3

A software company is developing a finance module for an ERP system. Which security requirement is most vital to ensure data integrity in financial transactions?

Disable multi-factor authentication. Use a weak encryption algorithm for data storage. Implement digital signatures for transactions. Store all user passwords in plain text.

Correct Answer: Implement digital signatures for transactions.

Implementing digital signatures for transactions is the most vital security requirement to ensure data integrity in financial transactions within an ERP system's finance module. Digital signatures provide a cryptographic mechanism to verify the authenticity and integrity of financial data. They guarantee that the transaction data has not been tampered with during transmission or storage, and that it originated from a legitimate source. This is crucial in financial systems to prevent fraud, unauthorized modifications, and ensure non-repudiation. Digital signatures use asymmetric encryption, which is more secure than weak encryption algorithms. They also address the integrity aspect more directly than multi-factor authentication or password storage methods. Unlike the other options, which either compromise security or provide insufficient protection, digital signatures specifically target the integrity requirement, making them the most appropriate choice for safeguarding financial transactions in an ERP system.

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