ISSAP Information Systems Security Architecture Professional Exam Topics and Questions

These ISC2 Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) exam topics are organized according to official exam domains to help candidates quickly verify coverage and focus on assessment rather than theory. Each domain is paired with topic-wise ISSAP sample questions that reflect how objectives are tested in the actual exam. This structure enables efficient review, targeted self-assessment, and rapid identification of weak areas when preparing for the ISC2 Information Systems Security Architecture Professional certification exam.

Let's Practice Free ISC2 ISSAP Questions Aligned with Official Exam Topics

📄 Exam Contains: 4 Topics

Topic Content

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) encompasses identifying and understanding legal, regulatory, organizational, and industry requirements including applicable information security standards, guidelines, third-party and contractual obligations across supply chains and outsourcing arrangements, sensitive and personal data standards, privacy regulations, and resilient solution design. Architecting for GRC requires identifying key assets, business objectives, and stakeholders while designing comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems such as vulnerability management and compliance audits. Organizations must design systems for auditability by determining regulatory, legislative, and forensic requirements... See More

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Identifying Security Architecture Approach involves determining the appropriate scope and types of security architecture such as enterprise-wide or cloud-based implementations, including network security and service-oriented architecture (SOA) models. Organizations must select suitable frameworks like The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture (SABSA), or service-oriented modeling frameworks to guide their security design. Reference architectures and blueprints provide standardized templates and best practices for implementation. Threat modeling frameworks such as STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of... See More

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3.1 Identify Infrastructure and System Security Requirements Organizations must evaluate security needs across multiple dimensions including deployment models such as on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid environments, as well as both information technology and operational technology systems. Physical security measures encompassing perimeter protection, internal zoning, and fire suppression systems must be established alongside comprehensive infrastructure and system monitoring capabilities. Cryptographic protections should be integrated throughout the environment, while application security practices including requirements traceability matrices, security architecture documentation, and secure coding standards must... 3.1 Identify Infrastructure and System Security Requirements Organizations must evaluate security needs across multiple dimensions including deployment models such as on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid environments, as well as both information technology and operational technology systems. Physical security measures encompassing perimeter protection, internal zoning, and fire suppression systems must be established alongside comprehensive infrastructure and system monitoring capabilities. Cryptographic protections should be integrated throughout the environment, while application security practices including requirements traceability matrices, security architecture documentation, and secure coding standards must be implemented to ensure comprehensive protection of all system components and data assets. 3.2 Architect Infrastructure and System Security A complete security architecture requires implementing physical security controls such as cameras, doors, and system controllers combined with platform security across physical, virtual, container, firmware, and operating system layers. Network security must address wired and wireless communications, public and private networks, IoT devices, and include technologies such as firewalls, airgaps, software-defined perimeters, VPNs, IPsec, NAC, DNS, NTP, VoIP, and WAF. Storage security encompasses direct attached storage, SANs, NAS, archival media, and encryption mechanisms, while data repositories require access controls, encryption, redaction, and masking capabilities. Cloud security considerations must cover public and private deployments across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models, and operational technology systems including ICS, IoT, and SCADA require specialized protection. Endpoint security must address BYOD policies, mobile devices, EDR, and HIDS/HIPS implementations, with secure shared services for email, VoIP, and unified communications, plus third-party integrations through federation, APIs, VPNs, and SFTP. Infrastructure and content monitoring systems should track email, web, data, social media, and implement DLP solutions, while out-of-band communications support incident response, IT management, and business continuity operations. 3.3 Architect Infrastructure and System Cryptographic Solutions Cryptographic solutions must be designed considering technological constraints, lifecycle requirements, computational capabilities, algorithms, and potential system attacks to ensure appropriate protection mechanisms. Implementation strategies should address data protection in three states: in-transit for data moving across networks, in-use for data being processed, and at-rest for stored data. A comprehensive key management lifecycle must be established covering generation of cryptographic keys, secure storage mechanisms, and controlled distribution processes to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of all encrypted assets throughout their operational lifetime. See More

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4.1 Identity Lifecycle Management Establish and verify identities through physical and logical means, then assign unique identifiers to users, services, processes, devices, and system components. Implement comprehensive provisioning and de-provisioning procedures that support the complete employee journey including onboarding (joiners), role transitions (movers), and offboarding (leavers). Deploy appropriate identity management technologies to automate and streamline these lifecycle processes. Ensure all identity creation, modification, and removal activities are properly documented and controlled throughout the entire identity lifecycle to maintain security and compliance... 4.1 Identity Lifecycle Management Establish and verify identities through physical and logical means, then assign unique identifiers to users, services, processes, devices, and system components. Implement comprehensive provisioning and de-provisioning procedures that support the complete employee journey including onboarding (joiners), role transitions (movers), and offboarding (leavers). Deploy appropriate identity management technologies to automate and streamline these lifecycle processes. Ensure all identity creation, modification, and removal activities are properly documented and controlled throughout the entire identity lifecycle to maintain security and compliance standards. 4.2 Identity Authentication Architecture Define and implement appropriate authentication strategies ranging from single-factor authentication to multi-factor authentication and risk-based elevation methods based on organizational security requirements. Select and deploy suitable authentication protocols and technologies such as SAML, RADIUS, Kerberos, and OAuth to enable secure credential verification. Implement authentication control protocols including XACML and LDAP to manage access control policies and directory services. Establish clear trust relationships between systems, determining whether authentication will operate in federated environments with multiple organizations or as standalone implementations within your organization. 4.3 Identity Authorization Framework Apply core authorization principles including discretionary and mandatory access control, separation of duties, and least privilege to ensure users receive only necessary permissions. Design authorization models for physical access, logical system access, and administrative functions tailored to organizational needs. Establish comprehensive authorization workflows encompassing governance, issuance, periodic reviews, revocation, and suspension of access rights. Define roles, rights, and responsibilities for system, application, and data access using groups, digital rights management, and trust relationships. Implement privileged access management solutions to control and monitor high-risk administrative accounts. Select appropriate authorization approaches such as single sign-on, rule-based, role-based, attribute-based, token-based, or certificate-based methods aligned with your security architecture. 4.4 Identity Accounting and Audit Management Determine specific accounting, analysis, and forensic requirements necessary for your organization's security and compliance objectives. Define audit events that capture critical identity and access activities requiring monitoring and investigation. Establish alert and notification mechanisms for audit logs to enable rapid response to suspicious activities. Implement robust log management practices including appropriate data retention periods and integrity controls to ensure logs remain reliable and tamper-proof. Conduct regular log analysis and reporting to identify trends, anomalies, and security incidents. Ensure all accounting and audit practices comply with relevant regulations and standards including PCI-DSS, FISMA, HIPAA, and GDPR. See More

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ISSAP Information Systems Security Architecture Professional Exam Topics and Questions

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