- A
Delete and recreate all Secrets
Why wrong: This would cause data loss.
- B
Restart the API server
Why wrong: Restarting does not re-encrypt existing data.
- C
Run 'kubectl encrypt secrets --key new-key'
Why wrong: No such command.
- D
Use 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -'
Correct. This reads and rewrites all secrets, triggering re-encryption with the new key.
Question 395 of 997
How to Re-encrypt Existing Secrets with a New Encryption Key
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of minimize microservice vulnerabilities. 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.
A cluster has EncryptionConfiguration with aescbc provider. After rotating the encryption key, what must be done to re-encrypt existing Secrets with the new key?
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
✓
Use 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -'
Option D is correct because after rotating the encryption key in the EncryptionConfiguration, existing Secrets are still encrypted with the old key. To re-encrypt them with the new key, you must read all Secrets and write them back using 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -'. This triggers the API server to encrypt the data with the new key (the first provider in the list) during the write operation.
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.
- ✗
Delete and recreate all Secrets
Why it's wrong here
This would cause data loss.
- ✗
Restart the API server
Why it's wrong here
Restarting does not re-encrypt existing data.
- ✗
Run 'kubectl encrypt secrets --key new-key'
Why it's wrong here
No such command.
- ✓
Use 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -'
Why this is correct
Correct. This reads and rewrites all secrets, triggering re-encryption with the new key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the misconception that restarting the API server or deleting/recreating Secrets is sufficient for re-encryption, when in fact the only way to re-encrypt existing data is to read and write it back through the API server.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No such command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the API server uses the first provider in the EncryptionConfiguration to encrypt new data, while older providers are used only for decryption. The 'kubectl replace' command sends a full PUT request, which causes the API server to read the existing encrypted data, decrypt it using the old key, and then re-encrypt it with the new key before storing. In a real-world scenario, this process is often automated via a script or a job to ensure all Secrets across all namespaces are re-encrypted without manual intervention.
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.
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Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — This question tests Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -' — Option D is correct because after rotating the encryption key in the EncryptionConfiguration, existing Secrets are still encrypted with the old key. To re-encrypt them with the new key, you must read all Secrets and write them back using 'kubectl get secrets --all-namespaces -o yaml | kubectl replace -f -'. This triggers the API server to encrypt the data with the new key (the first provider in the list) during the write operation.
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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