- A
--protect-kernel-defaults=true
Why wrong: Incorrect. `--protect-kernel-defaults=true` enforces kernel parameter protections, not namespace enforcement.
- B
--namespace-default=restricted
Why wrong: Incorrect. `--namespace-default=restricted` is not a valid kubelet flag.
- C
--authentication-token-webhook=true
Correct. Enables token-based authentication so the kubelet can validate namespace associations.
- D
--anonymous-auth=false
Why wrong: Incorrect. While disabling anonymous auth prevents unauthenticated access, it does not provide namespace matching; the token webhook is required.
Question 779 of 997
Enforce Pod Namespace with kubelet --authentication-token-webhook
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and hardening. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: kubelet authentication. 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 flag must be set on the kubelet to prevent it from using the default namespace for pods and to enforce that pods only use namespaces that match the node's assigned namespace?
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
✓
--authentication-token-webhook=true
Option C is correct because setting `--authentication-token-webhook=true` on the kubelet enables service account token validation via the Kubernetes API server. This is essential for the kubelet to verify that a pod's namespace matches the node's assigned namespace, as defined by the NodeRestriction admission plugin. Without this flag, the kubelet cannot enforce namespace restrictions. Options A and B are unrelated, and while `--anonymous-auth=false` (option D) is a security best practice, it alone does not enforce namespace matching; the token webhook is the key flag.
Key principle: Kubelet authentication
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
--protect-kernel-defaults=true
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `--protect-kernel-defaults=true` enforces kernel parameter protections, not namespace enforcement.
- ✗
--namespace-default=restricted
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `--namespace-default=restricted` is not a valid kubelet flag.
- ✓
--authentication-token-webhook=true
Why this is correct
Correct. Enables token-based authentication so the kubelet can validate namespace associations.
Related concept
Kubelet authentication
- ✗
--anonymous-auth=false
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While disabling anonymous auth prevents unauthenticated access, it does not provide namespace matching; the token webhook is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is assuming that disabling anonymous auth (`--anonymous-auth=false`) alone enforces namespace restrictions. However, without `--authentication-token-webhook=true`, the kubelet cannot validate service account tokens or enforce namespace matching.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kubelet's anonymous authentication is controlled by the `--anonymous-auth` flag (default `true`). When set to `false`, the kubelet rejects any request that does not present valid credentials (e.g., a service account token). In a hardened cluster, administrators often configure the kubelet to use the `--authentication-token-webhook=true` flag to validate tokens against the API server, and then use RBAC to restrict which service accounts (and thus which namespaces) can access the kubelet's API. This prevents a pod in the default namespace from accessing the kubelet on a node assigned to a different namespace, enforcing namespace isolation at the node level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Kubelet authentication
- Namespace enforcement
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
Kubelet authentication
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. Kubelet authentication 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 kubelet authentication, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Cluster Setup and Hardening — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Cluster Setup and Hardening — This question tests Cluster Setup and Hardening — Kubelet authentication.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: --authentication-token-webhook=true — Option C is correct because setting `--authentication-token-webhook=true` on the kubelet enables service account token validation via the Kubernetes API server. This is essential for the kubelet to verify that a pod's namespace matches the node's assigned namespace, as defined by the NodeRestriction admission plugin. Without this flag, the kubelet cannot enforce namespace restrictions. Options A and B are unrelated, and while `--anonymous-auth=false` (option D) is a security best practice, it alone does not enforce namespace matching; the token webhook is the key flag.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Review kubelet authentication, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Kubelet authentication
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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