This CKS practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging and runtime security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 Falco rule triggers on 'Write below etc' and you see an alert about a process writing to /etc/shadow. Which syscall is Falco most likely using to detect this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
open
Why wrong: open is used to open files, but the write event itself is captured by the write syscall.
chmod
Why wrong: chmod changes file permissions, not file content.
write
Falco monitors write syscalls to detect modifications to sensitive files like /etc/shadow.
openat
Why wrong: openat is used to open files relative to a directory file descriptor; the actual write is done via write.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
write
Falco uses system calls to monitor file writes. The 'write' syscall is used when a process writes data to a file. 'open' and 'openat' are used to open files, but the actual write event is captured by 'write'. 'chmod' changes permissions.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
open
Why it's wrong here
open is used to open files, but the write event itself is captured by the write syscall.
chmod
Why it's wrong here
chmod changes file permissions, not file content.
write
Why this is correct
Falco monitors write syscalls to detect modifications to sensitive files like /etc/shadow.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
openat
Why it's wrong here
openat is used to open files relative to a directory file descriptor; the actual write is done via write.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CKS NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CKS questions
997 questions across all exam domains
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CKS practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring Logging and Runtime Security.
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup and Hardening.
Practise CKS questions linked to System Hardening.
Practise CKS questions linked to Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities.
Practise CKS questions linked to Supply Chain Security.
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security.
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup.
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Hardening.
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS fundamentals.
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS scenario.
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — This question tests Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: write — Falco uses system calls to monitor file writes. The 'write' syscall is used when a process writes data to a file. 'open' and 'openat' are used to open files, but the actual write event is captured by 'write'. 'chmod' changes permissions.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CKS NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 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.
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.