- A
kubesec
kubesec scans Kubernetes resources for security issues.
- B
checkov
Checkov can scan Kubernetes manifests for misconfigurations.
- C
kube-score
Kube-score analyzes Kubernetes objects for best practices.
- D
trivy
Why wrong: Trivy is primarily a vulnerability scanner for images and filesystems.
- E
syft
Why wrong: Syft generates SBOMs for container images.
Question 7 of 997
Multiple Static Analysis Tools for Kubernetes Manifests
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. 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 THREE of the following are tools used for static analysis of Kubernetes manifests?
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
✓
kubesec
A. kubesec is correct because it performs static analysis of Kubernetes manifests by evaluating YAML/JSON configurations against a set of security best practices, such as ensuring containers run as non-root, read-only root filesystems, and dropping all capabilities. It outputs a score and a list of recommendations without actually deploying the resources, making it a pure static analysis tool.
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.
- ✓
kubesec
Why this is correct
kubesec scans Kubernetes resources for security issues.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
checkov
Why this is correct
Checkov can scan Kubernetes manifests for misconfigurations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
kube-score
Why this is correct
Kube-score analyzes Kubernetes objects for best practices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
trivy
Why it's wrong here
Trivy is primarily a vulnerability scanner for images and filesystems.
- ✗
syft
Why it's wrong here
Syft generates SBOMs for container images.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the distinction between tools that analyze Kubernetes manifests (static analysis) versus tools that scan container images for vulnerabilities or generate SBOMs, causing candidates to mistakenly select trivy or syft because they are also security-focused but serve different purposes in the supply chain security domain.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Static analysis tools like kubesec, checkov, and kube-score parse Kubernetes manifests without executing them, using rule engines that check for misconfigurations such as privileged containers, missing resource limits, or insecure seccomp profiles. Under the hood, these tools convert YAML/JSON into Go structs or Python dictionaries and apply OPA Rego policies or custom checks, enabling early detection of violations before deployment. In a real-world CI/CD pipeline, they can block a misconfigured Deployment from reaching production, reducing the attack surface.
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.
- →
Supply Chain Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Supply Chain 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?
Supply Chain Security — This question tests Supply Chain Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kubesec — A. kubesec is correct because it performs static analysis of Kubernetes manifests by evaluating YAML/JSON configurations against a set of security best practices, such as ensuring containers run as non-root, read-only root filesystems, and dropping all capabilities. It outputs a score and a list of recommendations without actually deploying the resources, making it a pure static analysis tool.
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. Which TWO are tools for static analysis of Kubernetes manifests? (Select 2)
medium- A.Cosign
- B.Trivy
- ✓ C.Kubesec
- D.Clair
- ✓ E.Checkov
Why C: Kubesec is a static analysis tool specifically designed to evaluate Kubernetes manifests against a set of security best practices. It scans YAML or JSON files for misconfigurations such as running containers as root, missing resource limits, or insecure capability assignments, and assigns a risk score based on the findings.
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.