- A
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and an ingress rule with from: []
Why wrong: An empty from list does not match any sources, but the rule itself is an ingress rule; however, it still results in no allowed traffic, but it's not a default deny pattern (it's an allow rule that allows nothing). The classic default deny has no ingress rules.
- B
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and an ingress rule with from: [{}]
Why wrong: An empty object in from matches all sources, so this allows all ingress.
- C
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and ingress: []
Setting ingress to an empty list is equivalent to having no ingress rules.
- D
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and no rules at all (only metadata and spec)
If spec has no ingress field, it's the same as no ingress rules.
- E
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and no ingress rules
This denies all ingress to all pods in the namespace.
CKA Services and Networking Practice Question
This CKA practice question tests your understanding of services and networking. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which THREE are correct ways to configure a default deny all ingress traffic NetworkPolicy? (Choose 3)
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
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and ingress: []
A policy with an empty podSelector that allows no ingress. Options with rules allow some traffic. Correct ways are those with no ingress rules.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and an ingress rule with from: []
Why it's wrong here
An empty from list does not match any sources, but the rule itself is an ingress rule; however, it still results in no allowed traffic, but it's not a default deny pattern (it's an allow rule that allows nothing). The classic default deny has no ingress rules.
- ✗
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and an ingress rule with from: [{}]
Why it's wrong here
An empty object in from matches all sources, so this allows all ingress.
- ✓
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and ingress: []
Why this is correct
Setting ingress to an empty list is equivalent to having no ingress rules.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and no rules at all (only metadata and spec)
Why this is correct
If spec has no ingress field, it's the same as no ingress rules.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and no ingress rules
Why this is correct
This denies all ingress to all pods in the namespace.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CKA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
- →
Services and Networking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Services and Networking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CKA questions
1,005 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Kubernetes Administrator CKA study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CKA practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CKA practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Cluster Architecture, Installation and Configuration.
Services and Networking practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Services and Networking.
Workloads and Scheduling practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Workloads and Scheduling.
Storage practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Storage.
Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Cluster Architecture, Installation & Configuration.
Workloads & Scheduling practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Workloads & Scheduling.
Services & Networking practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to Services & Networking.
CKA fundamentals practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to CKA fundamentals.
CKA scenario practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to CKA scenario.
CKA troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CKA questions linked to CKA troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CKA practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKA question test?
Services and Networking — This question tests Services and Networking — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A NetworkPolicy with podSelector: {} and ingress: [] — A policy with an empty podSelector that allows no ingress. Options with rules allow some traffic. Correct ways are those with no ingress rules.
What should I do if I get this CKA question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CKA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CKA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF 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 CKA exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.