- A
Use kubectl encrypt secrets command.
Why wrong: kubectl does not have an encrypt command.
- B
Modify the etcd configuration to enable encryption.
Why wrong: Encryption is managed by the kube-apiserver, not etcd directly.
- C
Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource and pass it to the kube-apiserver via the --encryption-provider-config flag.
EncryptionConfiguration is a resource that defines how to encrypt data at rest. The kube-apiserver reads it via the flag.
- D
Set the environment variable ENCRYPT_SECRETS=true on all nodes.
Why wrong: There is no such environment variable.
Question 102 of 997
Encrypting Kubernetes Secrets at Rest in etcd
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.
An administrator needs to encrypt secrets at rest in etcd. Which of the following steps is required?
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 and pass it to the kube-apiserver via the --encryption-provider-config flag.
Option C is correct because Kubernetes does not have a native `kubectl encrypt secrets` command, and etcd itself does not handle encryption configuration directly. Instead, encryption at rest is configured by creating an `EncryptionConfiguration` YAML resource that defines providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `secretbox`) and passing it to the `kube-apiserver` via the `--encryption-provider-config` flag. The API server then transparently encrypts secrets before writing them to etcd and decrypts them on read.
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.
- ✗
Use kubectl encrypt secrets command.
Why it's wrong here
kubectl does not have an encrypt command.
- ✗
Modify the etcd configuration to enable encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is managed by the kube-apiserver, not etcd directly.
- ✓
Create an EncryptionConfiguration resource and pass it to the kube-apiserver via the --encryption-provider-config flag.
Why this is correct
EncryptionConfiguration is a resource that defines how to encrypt data at rest. The kube-apiserver reads it via the flag.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the environment variable ENCRYPT_SECRETS=true on all nodes.
Why it's wrong here
There is no such environment variable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the misconception that encryption at rest is configured directly on etcd or via an environment variable, when in fact it is a kube-apiserver configuration that intercepts writes to etcd.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
kubectl does not have an encrypt command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `EncryptionConfiguration` resource supports multiple providers (e.g., `identity`, `aescbc`, `secretbox`, `kms`) that are tried in order; the first matching key is used for encryption, while all configured keys can decrypt existing data. A common subtlety is that the `identity` provider stores data in plaintext, so it must be placed last or omitted to ensure encryption. In real-world scenarios, rotating encryption keys requires updating the `EncryptionConfiguration` and restarting the API server, and existing secrets are not re-encrypted automatically unless a manual rewrite is triggered.
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.
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
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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 and pass it to the kube-apiserver via the --encryption-provider-config flag. — Option C is correct because Kubernetes does not have a native `kubectl encrypt secrets` command, and etcd itself does not handle encryption configuration directly. Instead, encryption at rest is configured by creating an `EncryptionConfiguration` YAML resource that defines providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `secretbox`) and passing it to the `kube-apiserver` via the `--encryption-provider-config` flag. The API server then transparently encrypts secrets before writing them to etcd and decrypts them on read.
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. To encrypt secrets at rest in Kubernetes, an administrator configures an EncryptionConfiguration. What is the correct flag to pass to the kube-apiserver to use this configuration?
hard- ✓ A.--encryption-provider-config=/path/to/config.yaml
- B.--feature-gates=EncryptionAtRest=true
- C.--encryption-key=/path/to/config.yaml
- D.--encryption-config=/path/to/config.yaml
Why A: Option A is correct because the `--encryption-provider-config` flag is the exact command-line option that the kube-apiserver expects to locate the EncryptionConfiguration YAML file. This flag tells the API server to read the configuration that defines which encryption providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `secretbox`) to use for encrypting Kubernetes secrets at rest in etcd.
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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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