- A
seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: audit.json
Correct: type is Localhost and localhostProfile is just the filename.
- B
seccompProfile: type: Unconfined localhostProfile: audit.json
Why wrong: Unconfined disables seccomp and does not accept a localhostProfile.
- C
seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: /var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/audit.json
Why wrong: The path should be relative to the seccomp directory, not absolute.
- D
seccompProfile: type: RuntimeDefault localhostProfile: audit.json
Why wrong: RuntimeDefault does not use a localhostProfile; it uses the container runtime's default profile.
CKS System Hardening Practice Question
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of system hardening. 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.
A cluster administrator wants to apply a custom seccomp profile located at '/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/audit.json' to a pod. Which YAML snippet correctly configures the pod's security context to use this profile?
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
seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: audit.json
Option A is correct because when using a custom seccomp profile stored on the node, the `type` must be `Localhost` and the `localhostProfile` must specify only the filename (not the full path). Kubernetes automatically prepends the path `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/` to the filename, so `audit.json` resolves to the correct location.
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.
- ✓
seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: audit.json
Why this is correct
Correct: type is Localhost and localhostProfile is just the filename.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
seccompProfile: type: Unconfined localhostProfile: audit.json
Why it's wrong here
Unconfined disables seccomp and does not accept a localhostProfile.
- ✗
seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: /var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/audit.json
Why it's wrong here
The path should be relative to the seccomp directory, not absolute.
- ✗
seccompProfile: type: RuntimeDefault localhostProfile: audit.json
Why it's wrong here
RuntimeDefault does not use a localhostProfile; it uses the container runtime's default profile.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the misconception that `localhostProfile` requires the full filesystem path, when in fact only the filename is needed because Kubernetes prepends the kubelet's seccomp root directory.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kubelet resolves `localhostProfile` relative to the directory specified by the `--seccomp-profile-root` flag (default `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp`). This path can be overridden at kubelet startup, so relying on the full path in the pod spec would break if the root changes. In a real-world scenario, a cluster with custom seccomp profiles for different workloads (e.g., audit logging or syscall restriction) must ensure the profile file exists on every node, as `Localhost` profiles are node-local and not distributed automatically.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
- →
System Hardening — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
System Hardening — This question tests System Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: seccompProfile: type: Localhost localhostProfile: audit.json — Option A is correct because when using a custom seccomp profile stored on the node, the `type` must be `Localhost` and the `localhostProfile` must specify only the filename (not the full path). Kubernetes automatically prepends the path `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/` to the filename, so `audit.json` resolves to the correct location.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 30, 2026
This CKS 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 CKS exam.
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