- A
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 0
Why wrong: runAsUser: 0 runs the container as root, which is not a non-root user.
- B
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true
Why wrong: This only validates that the image runs as non-root but does not set a specific UID.
- C
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsGroup: 1000
Why wrong: runAsGroup sets the primary group ID, not the user ID.
- D
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 1000
Setting runAsUser at the container level ensures the container runs with that UID.
Question 87 of 997
Set Non-Root User with securityContext.runAsUser
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain 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.
A developer wants to create a Deployment that runs as a non-root user. Which YAML snippet correctly sets the security context to run the container with UID 1000?
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
✓
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 1000
Option D is correct because `securityContext.runAsUser: 1000` explicitly sets the container's user ID to 1000, ensuring the container process runs as a non-root user. This is the direct way to enforce a specific UID in Kubernetes, meeting the developer's requirement to run as a non-root user.
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.
- ✗
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 0
Why it's wrong here
runAsUser: 0 runs the container as root, which is not a non-root user.
- ✗
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true
Why it's wrong here
This only validates that the image runs as non-root but does not set a specific UID.
- ✗
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsGroup: 1000
Why it's wrong here
runAsGroup sets the primary group ID, not the user ID.
- ✓
spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 1000
Why this is correct
Setting runAsUser at the container level ensures the container runs with that UID.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often confuse `runAsUser` (sets the UID) with `runAsGroup` (sets the GID) or with `runAsNonRoot: true` (which only ensures the container does not run as root, but does not set a specific UID). The question explicitly asks to run with UID 1000, so `runAsUser: 1000` is required.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `runAsUser` field in the container-level securityContext overrides the user defined in the container image's Dockerfile (via USER directive) and is enforced by the Linux kernel's user namespace capabilities. In real-world scenarios, setting a non-root UID like 1000 is critical for compliance with Pod Security Standards (restricted profile) and to mitigate privilege escalation attacks, as root inside a container can escape to the host if kernel vulnerabilities exist.
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
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Supply Chain Security practice questions
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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: spec.containers[].securityContext.runAsUser: 1000 — Option D is correct because `securityContext.runAsUser: 1000` explicitly sets the container's user ID to 1000, ensuring the container process runs as a non-root user. This is the direct way to enforce a specific UID in Kubernetes, meeting the developer's requirement to run as a non-root user.
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.
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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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