- A
Unexpected outbound network connections
Falco can detect connect syscalls to unexpected destinations.
- B
Reading sensitive files like /etc/shadow
Falco can detect open syscalls on sensitive files.
- C
High CPU usage
Why wrong: High CPU usage is a metric, not a syscall event; Falco does not monitor CPU utilization.
- D
Spawning a shell inside a container
Falco can detect process execution events like spawning a shell via syscalls like execve.
- E
Pod restarting in a loop
Why wrong: Pod restarts are a Kubernetes-level event, not a syscall; Falco does not directly detect this.
Question 569 of 997
Falco — Common Indicators of Container Compromise
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging and runtime security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 THREE of the following are common indicators of a container compromise that Falco can detect? (Select 3)
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
✓
Unexpected outbound network connections
Falco is a runtime security tool that monitors system calls and container behavior. Unexpected outbound network connections are a classic indicator of compromise, such as a reverse shell or data exfiltration, and Falco can detect these by monitoring syscalls like `connect()` and `sendto()` against a rule set that flags connections to suspicious destinations or on unusual ports.
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.
- ✓
Unexpected outbound network connections
Why this is correct
Falco can detect connect syscalls to unexpected destinations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Reading sensitive files like /etc/shadow
Why this is correct
Falco can detect open syscalls on sensitive files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
High CPU usage
Why it's wrong here
High CPU usage is a metric, not a syscall event; Falco does not monitor CPU utilization.
- ✓
Spawning a shell inside a container
Why this is correct
Falco can detect process execution events like spawning a shell via syscalls like execve.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Pod restarting in a loop
Why it's wrong here
Pod restarts are a Kubernetes-level event, not a syscall; Falco does not directly detect this.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the distinction between runtime security monitoring (syscall-based) and cluster-level or resource-level metrics, so the trap here is confusing operational issues like pod restarts or high CPU with actual security events that Falco is designed to detect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Falco operates by hooking into the Linux kernel's system call interface via a kernel module or eBPF probe, allowing it to capture events like `execve`, `open`, and `connect` in real time. For example, detecting a shell spawn inside a container relies on Falco's default rule that triggers on `execve` of common shell binaries (e.g., `/bin/bash`, `/bin/sh`) when the process is not part of an allowed parent chain. In a real-world scenario, an attacker might use a benign-looking binary to avoid detection, but Falco's rule customization can catch such deviations by monitoring process ancestry and container context.
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.
- →
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
Related CKS practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Monitoring Logging and Runtime Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring Logging and Runtime Security.
Cluster Setup and Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup and Hardening.
System Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to System Hardening.
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities.
Supply Chain Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Supply Chain Security.
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security.
Cluster Setup practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup.
Cluster Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Hardening.
CKS fundamentals practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS fundamentals.
CKS scenario practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS scenario.
CKS troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CKS practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — This question tests Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unexpected outbound network connections — Falco is a runtime security tool that monitors system calls and container behavior. Unexpected outbound network connections are a classic indicator of compromise, such as a reverse shell or data exfiltration, and Falco can detect these by monitoring syscalls like `connect()` and `sendto()` against a rule set that flags connections to suspicious destinations or on unusual ports.
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 →
Keep practising
More CKS practice questions
- Which flag is used to restrict the kubelet's ability to modify node status and pods?
- A Falco rule has priority `WARNING` and output: `Sensitive file opened (user=%user.name command=%proc.cmdline file=%fd.n…
- Falco detects a shell being opened inside a container. Which Falco rule field is used to specify the syscall condition f…
- A security audit reveals that a ServiceAccount named 'monitor' has a ClusterRoleBinding to the cluster-admin role. What…
- Match each Kubernetes security component to its description.
- Match each Kubernetes certificate type to its usage.
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.
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.