- A
cat deploy.yaml | kubesec scan /dev/stdin
Correct. `kubesec scan /dev/stdin` reads from stdin, which is provided by piping `cat deploy.yaml`.
- B
kubectl apply -f deploy.yaml | kubesec scan
Why wrong: Incorrect. `kubectl apply -f deploy.yaml` deploys the manifest and does not output anything to scan; it is not a valid method for static analysis.
- C
kubectl get deployment myapp -o yaml | kubesec scan
Why wrong: Incorrect. While `kubectl get deployment myapp -o yaml` outputs the YAML, the output includes cluster-specific metadata and status, not the raw manifest. kubesec is designed for static analysis of raw manifest files, not live object output.
- D
kubesec scan deploy.yaml
Correct. `kubesec scan deploy.yaml` directly references a local file, which is the standard way to analyze a manifest.
- E
kubesec curl https://example.com/deploy.yaml
Why wrong: Incorrect. `kubesec curl` is not a valid command; kubesec does not support fetching manifests from URLs via curl.
Kubesec: Static Analysis of Kubernetes Manifests
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.
Which TWO of the following are valid methods to supply a Kubernetes manifest to kubesec for static analysis?
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
cat deploy.yaml | kubesec scan /dev/stdin
Option A is correct because `kubesec scan /dev/stdin` reads the YAML manifest from standard input, which is provided by piping the output of `cat deploy.yaml`. This is a valid method for static analysis with kubesec, as it accepts input via stdin for flexibility in CI/CD pipelines. Option D is correct because `kubesec scan deploy.yaml` directly references a local file, which is the standard way to analyze a manifest file with kubesec. Options B and C are incorrect because `kubectl apply` or `kubectl get` output may include cluster-specific metadata or status fields that are not part of the original manifest, and kubesec is designed for static analysis of raw manifests, not live objects. Option E is invalid because `kubesec curl` is not a real command.
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.
- ✓
cat deploy.yaml | kubesec scan /dev/stdin
Why this is correct
Correct. `kubesec scan /dev/stdin` reads from stdin, which is provided by piping `cat deploy.yaml`.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubectl apply -f deploy.yaml | kubesec scan
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `kubectl apply -f deploy.yaml` deploys the manifest and does not output anything to scan; it is not a valid method for static analysis.
- ✗
kubectl get deployment myapp -o yaml | kubesec scan
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While `kubectl get deployment myapp -o yaml` outputs the YAML, the output includes cluster-specific metadata and status, not the raw manifest. kubesec is designed for static analysis of raw manifest files, not live object output.
- ✓
kubesec scan deploy.yaml
Why this is correct
Correct. `kubesec scan deploy.yaml` directly references a local file, which is the standard way to analyze a manifest.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
kubesec curl https://example.com/deploy.yaml
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `kubesec curl` is not a valid command; kubesec does not support fetching manifests from URLs via curl.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Kubernetes often tests the distinction between static analysis tools that operate on manifest files versus cluster state commands, leading candidates to mistakenly think `kubectl get` output is equivalent to a raw manifest for scanning.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. `kubectl apply -f deploy.yaml` deploys the manifest and does not output anything to scan; it is not a valid method for static analysis.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kubesec uses a static analysis engine that parses Kubernetes YAML/JSON manifests to evaluate security configurations (e.g., Pod Security Standards, container privileges). Piping via stdin (option A) is common in CI/CD to avoid writing temporary files, while scanning a file directly (option D) is the standard local usage. The tool does not interact with a running cluster or fetch remote URLs, ensuring analysis is purely based on the provided manifest.
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
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Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
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CKS practice test guide
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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: cat deploy.yaml | kubesec scan /dev/stdin — Option A is correct because `kubesec scan /dev/stdin` reads the YAML manifest from standard input, which is provided by piping the output of `cat deploy.yaml`. This is a valid method for static analysis with kubesec, as it accepts input via stdin for flexibility in CI/CD pipelines. Option D is correct because `kubesec scan deploy.yaml` directly references a local file, which is the standard way to analyze a manifest file with kubesec. Options B and C are incorrect because `kubectl apply` or `kubectl get` output may include cluster-specific metadata or status fields that are not part of the original manifest, and kubesec is designed for static analysis of raw manifests, not live objects. Option E is invalid because `kubesec curl` is not a real command.
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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