Handling High-Security Concerns in Scrum

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, ensuring the security of sensitive user data is paramount. This article delves into a specific exam question addressing how Scrum Teams can handle high-security concerns, providing detailed explanations and insights relevant to the PSM II exam.

Exam Question

At a Sprint Review meeting, the Product Owner introduces the functionality that is likely to be done over the next Sprints. The Chief Security Officer reminds everyone that through the envisioned functionality, sensitive personal user data will be stored. This might be the subject of external security audits. He reminds everyone of the important non-functional requirements with regards to security. These were not applicable and not considered previously.
What are two good ways the Scrum Team can handle these high-security concerns? (choose the best two answers)

• A. They are discussed, determined, and documented in parallel Sprints to not disturb the actual feature development. Once analyzed, they should be applied to the work already done before further feature development can continue.
• B. They should be handled by a separate, specialist team in a parallel Sprint so they can be specifically resolved through an improved application design without hindering functional development.
• C. The impact of these security concerns on past AND future work needs to be determined before new Sprints can start. A list of security-related Product Backlog items needs to be passed on to the Product Owner before starting the next Sprint.
• D. During the Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team assesses how to add these expectations to the Definition of Done so every future Increment will live up to these requirements. If needed they can work with external specialists to better understand the requirements.
• E. They are added to the Product Backlog and addressed throughout the next Sprints, combined with creating the business functionality in those Sprints, no matter how small that business functionality.

Correct Answers

D. During the Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team assesses how to add these expectations to the Definition of Done so every future Increment will live up to these requirements. If needed they can work with external specialists to better understand the requirements.
E. They are added to the Product Backlog and addressed throughout the next Sprints, combined with creating the business functionality in those Sprints, no matter how small that business functionality.

Explanation

Correct Answers

D. During the Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team assesses how to add these expectations to the Definition of Done so every future Increment will live up to these requirements. If needed they can work with external specialists to better understand the requirements:
Incorporating security requirements into the Definition of Done ensures that every future Increment meets the necessary security standards. This approach promotes continuous improvement and helps the team maintain high-quality deliverables.

E. They are added to the Product Backlog and addressed throughout the next Sprints, combined with creating the business functionality in those Sprints, no matter how small that business functionality:
Adding security concerns to the Product Backlog and addressing them in subsequent Sprints ensures that these issues are integrated into the regular workflow. This method allows the team to continue delivering business functionality while also addressing critical security requirements.

Incorrect Answers

A. They are discussed, determined, and documented in parallel Sprints to not disturb the actual feature development. Once analyzed, they should be applied to the work already done before further feature development can continue:
Handling security concerns in parallel Sprints without immediate integration can delay necessary improvements and risk non-compliance with security standards in ongoing work.

B. They should be handled by a separate, specialist team in a parallel Sprint so they can be specifically resolved through an improved application design without hindering functional development:
Splitting the work into a separate specialist team contradicts the Scrum principle of cross-functional teams and can lead to integration issues and delays in addressing the concerns comprehensively.

C. The impact of these security concerns on past AND future work needs to be determined before new Sprints can start. A list of security-related Product Backlog items needs to be passed on to the Product Owner before starting the next Sprint:
While assessing the impact is important, pausing new Sprints entirely to address past issues may hinder progress. A more integrated approach is preferable.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: Prioritizes and orders the Product Backlog items, including security concerns, to ensure they are addressed appropriately.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates the discussions and ensures that the team integrates security concerns into their processes and Definition of Done.
• Developers: Collaborate to assess the impact of security concerns on their work, refine the Definition of Done, and ensure that all deliverables meet the required security standards.

Relevance to the PSM II Exam

Understanding how to handle non-functional requirements such as security concerns is crucial for the PSM II exam. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of Scrum practices and the ability to integrate these concerns into the team’s workflow effectively. Mastering this concept ensures that Scrum Masters can support their teams in maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Assessing the impact of security concerns on past and future work is essential for maintaining high standards.
• Integrating security requirements into the Definition of Done ensures ongoing compliance and quality.
• Collaboration and transparency are key to effectively addressing non-functional requirements.

Conclusion

Addressing high-security concerns in Scrum requires a comprehensive approach that integrates these concerns into the team’s workflow and processes. By refining the Definition of Done and adding security-related items to the Product Backlog, Scrum Teams can ensure that all deliverables meet the necessary security standards. This understanding is essential for effective Scrum implementation and success in the PSM II exam. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM II Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.