- A
Configure etcd encryption via etcdctl
Why wrong: etcd encryption is separate; Kubernetes encryption is handled by the API server.
- B
Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource
Defines the encryption providers and keys.
- C
Enable the --feature-gates=EncryptionAtRest=true flag on the API server
Why wrong: Encryption at rest is GA and enabled by default; no feature gate needed.
- D
Pass the --encryption-provider-config flag to the kube-apiserver
Points the API server to the EncryptionConfiguration file.
Question 96 of 997
Enable Encryption at Rest for Kubernetes Secrets
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of minimize microservice vulnerabilities. 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 TWO of the following are required to enable encryption of Kubernetes Secrets at rest?
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
✓
Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource
Option B is correct because Kubernetes requires an EncryptionConfiguration resource to define which resources (e.g., secrets) should be encrypted and with which provider (e.g., AES-CBC, secretbox, or KMS). This configuration is a YAML file that specifies encryption keys and providers, and it is mandatory for enabling encryption at rest. Without this resource, the API server has no encryption policy to apply.
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.
- ✗
Configure etcd encryption via etcdctl
Why it's wrong here
etcd encryption is separate; Kubernetes encryption is handled by the API server.
- ✓
Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource
Why this is correct
Defines the encryption providers and keys.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable the --feature-gates=EncryptionAtRest=true flag on the API server
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest is GA and enabled by default; no feature gate needed.
- ✓
Pass the --encryption-provider-config flag to the kube-apiserver
Why this is correct
Points the API server to the EncryptionConfiguration file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CNCF CKS exam often tests the misconception that encryption at rest is enabled via a feature gate or etcdctl, when in fact it requires creating an EncryptionConfiguration resource and passing it via the --encryption-provider-config flag to the kube-apiserver.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The EncryptionConfiguration resource supports multiple providers like aescbc, secretbox, and kms, each with different performance and security characteristics. When the API server writes data to etcd, it encrypts the resource using the first provider in the list; decryption is attempted with all providers in order, enabling key rotation without downtime. A common real-world scenario is rotating encryption keys by adding a new key as the first provider while keeping the old key for decryption, then re-encrypting all secrets with a batch job.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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.
- →
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — This question tests Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource — Option B is correct because Kubernetes requires an EncryptionConfiguration resource to define which resources (e.g., secrets) should be encrypted and with which provider (e.g., AES-CBC, secretbox, or KMS). This configuration is a YAML file that specifies encryption keys and providers, and it is mandatory for enabling encryption at rest. Without this resource, the API server has no encryption policy to apply.
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
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on CKS
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You need to encrypt Kubernetes secrets at rest. Which resource should you configure?
medium- A.EncryptionProvider
- B.SecretEncryptionConfig
- C.KMSProvider
- ✓ D.EncryptionConfiguration
Why D: Option D is correct because Kubernetes uses an `EncryptionConfiguration` object to configure encryption at rest for secrets and other resources in etcd. This YAML-based resource defines which providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `kms`, `secretbox`) are used to encrypt data before it is written to the underlying storage. The API server reads this configuration from a file specified via the `--encryption-provider-config` flag, enabling transparent encryption and decryption of resource data.
Keep practising
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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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