CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What is the primary benefit of using a Code Review on a web application?

1. Improved coding speed

2. Identification of design flaws

3. Increased security through early detection of vulnerabilities

4. Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards

The correct answer is: Increased security through early detection of vulnerabilities

Using a Code Review on a web application primarily enhances security through early detection of vulnerabilities. When developers conduct code reviews, they systematically examine the code for issues that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. This process allows for the identification of security weaknesses, such as improper input validation, hardcoded credentials, or inadequate error handling, before the application goes live. Addressing these vulnerabilities during the code review stage significantly reduces the risk of security breaches, which could compromise sensitive data or lead to other adverse consequences. Furthermore, early detection is much more efficient and cost-effective than fixing security flaws after deployment, which could involve significant alterations to the application and its infrastructure. While the other options focus on various advantages of code reviews, they do not directly encapsulate the most critical aspect regarding the protection of the application and its data. Improved coding speed might occur as developers become more proficient through feedback, but it is not the primary aim. Identifying design flaws is certainly valuable, yet it typically relates more to architecture than specific security concerns. Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards is important, but that generally falls under the scope of auditing and documentation rather than a core benefit of code reviews themselves.