- A
Set the container security context to add only the necessary Linux capabilities, e.g., CAP_SYS_ADMIN
This grants only the required capabilities, reducing the attack surface compared to privileged mode.
- B
Set the container to privileged: false and add the SYS_ADMIN capability only for containers that need it
Why wrong: Setting privileged: false is redundant with adding capabilities; the correct approach is to use capabilities without privileged flag.
- C
Run the container as root user but remove the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability
Why wrong: Removing CAP_SYS_ADMIN would prevent kernel parameter changes, and running as root is still dangerous.
- D
Drop all Linux capabilities and run the container as a non-root user
Why wrong: Dropping all capabilities would prevent the required kernel modifications.
200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a security audit of a microservices application deployed on Cisco Container Platform, the auditor discovers that some containers are running with privileged access. The development team argues that certain containers need to modify kernel parameters. Which security best practice should be recommended to minimize risk while allowing necessary kernel adjustments?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set the container security context to add only the necessary Linux capabilities, e.g., CAP_SYS_ADMIN
Option A is correct because it follows the principle of least privilege by granting only the specific Linux capability (CAP_SYS_ADMIN) needed to modify kernel parameters, rather than full privileged access. In Kubernetes (used by Cisco Container Platform), a security context with `capabilities.add: ['SYS_ADMIN']` allows the container to perform privileged operations like sysctl modifications without exposing the host or other containers to the broader risks of privileged mode.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Set the container security context to add only the necessary Linux capabilities, e.g., CAP_SYS_ADMIN
Why this is correct
This grants only the required capabilities, reducing the attack surface compared to privileged mode.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the container to privileged: false and add the SYS_ADMIN capability only for containers that need it
Why it's wrong here
Setting privileged: false is redundant with adding capabilities; the correct approach is to use capabilities without privileged flag.
- ✗
Run the container as root user but remove the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability
Why it's wrong here
Removing CAP_SYS_ADMIN would prevent kernel parameter changes, and running as root is still dangerous.
- ✗
Drop all Linux capabilities and run the container as a non-root user
Why it's wrong here
Dropping all capabilities would prevent the required kernel modifications.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between privileged mode and individual capabilities, where candidates mistakenly think setting `privileged: false` is required alongside capability addition, or that running as root is necessary for kernel modifications.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Linux capabilities are granular permissions that break down the superuser privileges of root into distinct units (e.g., CAP_NET_ADMIN, CAP_SYS_ADMIN). In Kubernetes, the `securityContext.capabilities` field allows adding or dropping capabilities at the container level, and CAP_SYS_ADMIN is required for operations like `sysctl` kernel parameter changes. A real-world scenario is tuning `net.core.somaxconn` in a microservices application; using CAP_SYS_ADMIN instead of privileged mode reduces the attack surface by preventing access to host devices, kernel modules, and other privileged operations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Application Deployment and Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the container security context to add only the necessary Linux capabilities, e.g., CAP_SYS_ADMIN — Option A is correct because it follows the principle of least privilege by granting only the specific Linux capability (CAP_SYS_ADMIN) needed to modify kernel parameters, rather than full privileged access. In Kubernetes (used by Cisco Container Platform), a security context with `capabilities.add: ['SYS_ADMIN']` allows the container to perform privileged operations like sysctl modifications without exposing the host or other containers to the broader risks of privileged mode.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "minimum / minimize". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 200-901 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-901 exam.
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