- A
/etc/kubernetes/scheduler.conf
Why wrong: Scheduler configuration file.
- B
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
This is the static pod manifest for the API server; you add the --encryption-provider-config flag here.
- C
/etc/kubernetes/etcd.yaml
Why wrong: etcd configuration file, but encryption is configured at the API server level.
- D
/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
Why wrong: Kubelet configuration file, not for API server encryption.
Question 961 of 997
Encrypting Secrets at Rest by Modifying kube-apiserver
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.
To encrypt secrets at rest, which file must be modified on the control plane nodes?
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
✓
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
To enable encryption of secrets at rest in Kubernetes, you must modify the kube-apiserver manifest file at `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml` on control plane nodes. This file is a static Pod manifest that defines the API server's startup flags, including `--encryption-provider-config`, which points to an EncryptionConfiguration YAML file specifying the encryption providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `secretbox`) and keys. The API server is the component that writes and reads secrets from etcd, so it is the only place where encryption-at-rest configuration is applied.
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.
- ✗
/etc/kubernetes/scheduler.conf
Why it's wrong here
Scheduler configuration file.
- ✓
/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml
Why this is correct
This is the static pod manifest for the API server; you add the --encryption-provider-config flag here.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
/etc/kubernetes/etcd.yaml
Why it's wrong here
etcd configuration file, but encryption is configured at the API server level.
- ✗
/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
Why it's wrong here
Kubelet configuration file, not for API server encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF exams often test the misconception that encryption-at-rest is configured by modifying etcd's manifest or configuration files, when in reality it is the API server that handles encryption before data reaches etcd.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the `--encryption-provider-config` flag in the kube-apiserver manifest points to an EncryptionConfiguration resource that defines providers like `aescbc` (AES-CBC with PKCS#7 padding) or `secretbox` (XChaCha20-Poly1305). The API server encrypts secrets before writing them to etcd and decrypts them on read, ensuring data at rest is protected even if etcd storage is compromised. A subtle behavior is that the encryption key rotation requires updating the EncryptionConfiguration and restarting the API server, and old keys must be retained in the `keys` list under the `write` key until all secrets encrypted with them are re-encrypted.
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
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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: /etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml — To enable encryption of secrets at rest in Kubernetes, you must modify the kube-apiserver manifest file at `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml` on control plane nodes. This file is a static Pod manifest that defines the API server's startup flags, including `--encryption-provider-config`, which points to an EncryptionConfiguration YAML file specifying the encryption providers (e.g., `aescbc`, `secretbox`) and keys. The API server is the component that writes and reads secrets from etcd, so it is the only place where encryption-at-rest configuration is applied.
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 →
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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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