KCSA Kubernetes Threat Model Practice Question
An auditor evaluates network security controls in a Kubernetes cluster. Which TWO configurations help mitigate lateral movement and network-based attacks between pods?
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
✓
Implementing a service mesh (such as Istio or Linkerd) with strict mTLS enforcement
Deploying CNI-level network policies and implementing a service mesh for mTLS traffic encryption and authentication mitigate lateral movement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disabling CNI network plugins to run pods in bridge mode
Why it's wrong here
Disabling CNI breaks cluster networking functionality.
- ✓
Implementing a service mesh (such as Istio or Linkerd) with strict mTLS enforcement
Why this is correct
A service mesh encrypts traffic and authenticates service identities at layer 7.
- ✗
Exposing all internal microservices via NodePort services on worker nodes
Why it's wrong here
NodePorts expose services externally on node IPs, expanding attack surface.
- ✗
Mounting the host network namespace (`hostNetwork: true`) on all application pods
Why it's wrong here
hostNetwork bypasses pod network isolation and increases risk.
- ✓
Enforcing Kubernetes NetworkPolicies to restrict pod-to-pod ingress and egress traffic
Why this is correct
NetworkPolicies segment traffic and block unauthorized connections between workloads.
About these practice questions
One of 320 original KCSA practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official CNCF / Linux Foundation exam blueprint
This KCSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF / Linux Foundation 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 KCSA exam.