- A
evt.type=sendto and fd.sip != "0.0.0.0"
Why wrong: sendto is for UDP; also the condition doesn't filter private IPs properly.
- B
evt.type=connect and container.id != host and not fd.snet in ("10.0.0.0/8", "172.16.0.0/12", "192.168.0.0/16", "127.0.0.0/8")
This checks for connect syscalls from containers to non-private IPs, indicating outbound connections to the internet.
- C
container.id != host and evt.type=accept
Why wrong: accept is for inbound connections, not outbound.
- D
proc.name = curl and evt.type=connect
Why wrong: This only detects curl, not other tools; and doesn't filter private IPs.
Question 271 of 997
Falco Rule to Detect Unexpected Outbound Connections from Pods
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging and runtime security. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. A key principle to apply: falco syscall rules. 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.
You need to detect any unexpected outbound connections from pods in the 'production' namespace. Which Falco rule condition is MOST appropriate?
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
✓
evt.type=connect and container.id != host and not fd.snet in ("10.0.0.0/8", "172.16.0.0/12", "192.168.0.0/16", "127.0.0.0/8")
Option B is correct because it uses the `connect` syscall to detect outbound connection attempts from containers (excluding the host) and filters out private IP ranges (RFC 1918 and loopback) to flag only unexpected external destinations. This directly matches the requirement to detect unexpected outbound connections from pods in the 'production' namespace.
Key principle: Falco syscall rules
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
evt.type=sendto and fd.sip != "0.0.0.0"
- ✓
evt.type=connect and container.id != host and not fd.snet in ("10.0.0.0/8", "172.16.0.0/12", "192.168.0.0/16", "127.0.0.0/8")
Why this is correct
This checks for connect syscalls from containers to non-private IPs, indicating outbound connections to the internet.
Related concept
Falco syscall rules
- ✗
container.id != host and evt.type=accept
Why it's wrong here
accept is for inbound connections, not outbound.
- ✗
proc.name = curl and evt.type=connect
Why it's wrong here
This only detects curl, not other tools; and doesn't filter private IPs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
In the CKS exam, a common pitfall is confusing `connect` (outbound) with `accept` (inbound) syscalls in Falco rules. Candidates may choose `evt.type=accept` thinking it detects outbound connections, but `accept` is for incoming connections. The correct rule uses `connect` to catch outbound attempts and filters private IPs to flag unexpected external destinations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `connect` syscall is the system call used by TCP and UDP sockets to initiate an outbound connection; Falco's `container.id != host` ensures the event originates from a container, not the host. The `fd.snet` field checks the server-side network (destination IP) against private ranges; note that `fd.snet` uses CIDR notation and matches the destination network, so `not fd.snet in ("10.0.0.0/8", ...)` correctly excludes private IPs while allowing public IPs to trigger the rule. In a real-world scenario, a compromised pod might use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to a public resolver like 8.8.8.8, which would be caught by this rule.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Falco syscall rules
- Private IP ranges
- container.id != host
- Outbound vs inbound
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
Falco syscall rules
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CKS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Falco syscall rules Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review falco syscall rules, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — This question tests Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — Falco syscall rules.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: evt.type=connect and container.id != host and not fd.snet in ("10.0.0.0/8", "172.16.0.0/12", "192.168.0.0/16", "127.0.0.0/8") — Option B is correct because it uses the `connect` syscall to detect outbound connection attempts from containers (excluding the host) and filters out private IP ranges (RFC 1918 and loopback) to flag only unexpected external destinations. This directly matches the requirement to detect unexpected outbound connections from pods in the 'production' namespace.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Review falco syscall rules, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Falco syscall rules
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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