CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What process change could MOST likely reduce component integration vulnerabilities in software?

1. Increase the budget for security enhancements

2. Establish cross-functional planning and testing requirements

3. Hire additional security personnel

4. Use automated testing exclusively

The correct answer is: Establish cross-functional planning and testing requirements

Establishing cross-functional planning and testing requirements is key to reducing component integration vulnerabilities in software. When teams from different functions—such as development, testing, and security—collaborate from the initial stages of a project, they can identify and address potential security issues early in the development lifecycle. This proactive approach ensures that various perspectives and expertise are incorporated into the planning and testing phases, leading to a more robust evaluation of how different components interact and whether any vulnerabilities are present during integration. Cross-functional requirements also promote better communication between teams, ensuring that security policies and standards are understood and followed throughout the development process. This collaborative effort goes beyond simply detecting vulnerabilities; it fosters a culture of security awareness and accountability, ultimately enhancing the overall security posture of the software. In contrast, while increasing the budget for security enhancements or hiring additional security personnel may provide more resources, they do not guarantee a holistic integration strategy that systematically addresses vulnerabilities. Automated testing can also be beneficial, but relying exclusively on it may overlook human factors, contextual understanding, and the complexities of real-world scenarios which require critical thinking and problem-solving—a gap that cross-functional collaboration can effectively bridge.