- A
Unconfined
Why wrong: Unconfined disables seccomp filtering.
- B
RuntimeDefault
RuntimeDefault applies the container runtime's default seccomp profile.
- C
Default
Why wrong: There is no 'Default' type in the seccomp profile specification.
- D
Localhost
Why wrong: Localhost uses a custom profile from the node filesystem.
Question 956 of 997
Understanding Seccomp Profile Types in Kubernetes: RuntimeDefault, Localhost, Unconfined
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of system hardening. 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 of the following seccomp profile types should be used to apply the container runtime's default seccomp profile?
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
✓
RuntimeDefault
The `RuntimeDefault` seccomp profile type instructs the container runtime (e.g., containerd, CRI-O) to apply its own built-in default seccomp profile. This profile is defined by the runtime and typically blocks around 44 system calls that are considered dangerous or unnecessary for containers, providing a secure baseline without requiring a custom profile.
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.
- ✗
Unconfined
Why it's wrong here
Unconfined disables seccomp filtering.
- ✓
RuntimeDefault
Why this is correct
RuntimeDefault applies the container runtime's default seccomp profile.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Default
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'Default' type in the seccomp profile specification.
- ✗
Localhost
Why it's wrong here
Localhost uses a custom profile from the node filesystem.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Kubernetes often tests the distinction between `Default` (which is not a valid Kubernetes seccomp type) and `RuntimeDefault` (the correct type for applying the runtime's default profile), causing candidates to mistakenly choose `Default` due to its intuitive name.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When `RuntimeDefault` is set, the kubelet passes the `seccomp=default` annotation to the container runtime, which then loads its precompiled default profile (e.g., containerd's default profile blocks syscalls like `mount`, `reboot`, and `acct`). This profile is tuned for container workloads and is more restrictive than the host's default seccomp policy, reducing the attack surface without requiring manual profile creation. In a real-world scenario, using `RuntimeDefault` is a quick win for compliance with CIS benchmarks, which recommend enabling a default seccomp profile for all containers.
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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System Hardening — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
System Hardening — This question tests System Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: RuntimeDefault — The `RuntimeDefault` seccomp profile type instructs the container runtime (e.g., containerd, CRI-O) to apply its own built-in default seccomp profile. This profile is defined by the runtime and typically blocks around 44 system calls that are considered dangerous or unnecessary for containers, providing a secure baseline without requiring a custom profile.
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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