- A
A generate rule that creates a ConfigMap with allowed digests
Why wrong: Generate rules create resources; they do not validate existing images.
- B
A mutate rule that replaces the image tag with a digest
Why wrong: Mutate can modify the image, but the requirement is to validate that a digest is already present.
- C
A validate rule with a pattern that the image field matches '@sha256:'
A validate rule can enforce that the image string contains a digest. Example: pattern: spec.containers[*].image: "*@sha256:*"
- D
A validate rule checking the annotation 'image.openshift.io/triggers'
Why wrong: That annotation is specific to OpenShift and not relevant.
Question 630 of 997
Enforce Image Digest Reference with Kyverno
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security policy requires that all container images must reference a specific SHA256 digest instead of a tag. You need to enforce this using Kyverno. Which Kyverno rule type and pattern would you use?
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
✓
A validate rule with a pattern that the image field matches '@sha256:'
Option C is correct because Kyverno's validate rules with a pattern can enforce that the image field in a Pod spec contains '@sha256:', ensuring only digest-based references are used. This directly meets the security policy requirement without altering the image reference or relying on external data.
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.
- ✗
A generate rule that creates a ConfigMap with allowed digests
Why it's wrong here
Generate rules create resources; they do not validate existing images.
- ✗
A mutate rule that replaces the image tag with a digest
Why it's wrong here
Mutate can modify the image, but the requirement is to validate that a digest is already present.
- ✓
A validate rule with a pattern that the image field matches '@sha256:'
Why this is correct
A validate rule can enforce that the image string contains a digest. Example: pattern: spec.containers[*].image: "*@sha256:*"
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A validate rule checking the annotation 'image.openshift.io/triggers'
Why it's wrong here
That annotation is specific to OpenShift and not relevant.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the distinction between validation and mutation rules, where candidates mistakenly choose a mutate rule to 'fix' the image reference instead of a validate rule to enforce the policy as written.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kyverno validate rules use Common Expression Language (CEL) or patterns to check resource fields; for image digests, the pattern 'image: "*@sha256:*"' ensures the image string contains the digest delimiter. This approach prevents tag-based deployments that can lead to supply chain attacks, as tags are mutable while digests uniquely identify a specific image 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
- →
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: A validate rule with a pattern that the image field matches '@sha256:' — Option C is correct because Kyverno's validate rules with a pattern can enforce that the image field in a Pod spec contains '@sha256:', ensuring only digest-based references are used. This directly meets the security policy requirement without altering the image reference or relying on external data.
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.