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

Answer options:

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

Answer: D

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 theSystem Development Life Cycle are security requirements formalized? A. Disposal -
B. System Design Specifications -
C. Development and Implementation
D. Functional Requirements Definition 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 organizations 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 athttp://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-64-Rev2/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.