- A
It allows for faster image pulls
Why wrong: SBOM does not affect image pull speed.
- B
It helps in identifying known vulnerabilities in dependencies
By listing components, you can cross-reference with vulnerability databases.
- C
It ensures license compliance by tracking open source components
SBOM includes license information for each component.
- D
It reduces the size of the container image
Why wrong: SBOM is metadata; it doesn't reduce image size.
- E
It automatically patches vulnerabilities
Why wrong: SBOM only lists components; it does not patch them.
Question 746 of 997
Benefits of SBOM in Supply Chain Security
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 benefits of using an SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) in supply chain security?
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
✓
It helps in identifying known vulnerabilities in dependencies
Option B is correct because an SBOM lists all components and dependencies in a software artifact, enabling teams to cross-reference against vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD) to identify known CVEs. This proactive identification is a core supply chain security practice, as mandated by frameworks like SLSA and EO 14028.
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.
- ✗
It allows for faster image pulls
Why it's wrong here
SBOM does not affect image pull speed.
- ✓
It helps in identifying known vulnerabilities in dependencies
Why this is correct
By listing components, you can cross-reference with vulnerability databases.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It ensures license compliance by tracking open source components
Why this is correct
SBOM includes license information for each component.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It reduces the size of the container image
Why it's wrong here
SBOM is metadata; it doesn't reduce image size.
- ✗
It automatically patches vulnerabilities
Why it's wrong here
SBOM only lists components; it does not patch them.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap in the CKS exam is confusing the passive inventory role of an SBOM with active security actions or performance improvements. Candidates may think an SBOM directly patches vulnerabilities or speeds up image pulls, but it is merely a list of components that enables other tools to act.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
An SBOM is typically generated in formats like SPDX or CycloneDX, which are machine-readable and can be ingested by security tools for automated vulnerability scanning. In a real-world scenario, a Kubernetes cluster using images with an SBOM can be integrated with admission controllers (e.g., OPA/Gatekeeper) to block deployments if the SBOM reveals a critical CVE in a base image like `alpine:3.14`.
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
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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: It helps in identifying known vulnerabilities in dependencies — Option B is correct because an SBOM lists all components and dependencies in a software artifact, enabling teams to cross-reference against vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD) to identify known CVEs. This proactive identification is a core supply chain security practice, as mandated by frameworks like SLSA and EO 14028.
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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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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