- A
cosign verify
cosign verify checks the signature of an image against a public key.
- B
cosign generate-key-pair
Why wrong: This command generates a key pair, not verify an image signature.
- C
cosign sign
Why wrong: cosign sign is used to sign an image, not verify.
- D
cosign attest
Why wrong: cosign attest is used to attach an attestation to an image, not to verify signatures.
Question 31 of 997
How to Verify a Container Image Signature with Cosign
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.
A developer wants to verify the signature of a container image before deploying it. Which command should they use along with Cosign?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
✓
cosign verify
The `cosign verify` command is used to check the cryptographic signature of a container image against a public key, ensuring the image's integrity and authenticity. This is the correct tool for a developer who needs to confirm that the image has not been tampered with and was signed by a trusted entity before deployment.
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.
- ✓
cosign verify
Why this is correct
cosign verify checks the signature of an image against a public key.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
cosign generate-key-pair
Why it's wrong here
This command generates a key pair, not verify an image signature.
- ✗
cosign sign
Why it's wrong here
cosign sign is used to sign an image, not verify.
- ✗
cosign attest
Why it's wrong here
cosign attest is used to attach an attestation to an image, not to verify signatures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CNCF CKS exam often tests the distinction between signing and verifying, so candidates may confuse `cosign sign` (which creates a signature) with `cosign verify` (which validates one), especially when the question asks about verifying an existing signature.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command generates a key pair, not verify an image signature.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cosign leverages Sigstore's infrastructure, which can use keyless signing via OIDC (OpenID Connect) or traditional key pairs. The `cosign verify` command checks the signature stored in the container registry (often as a separate OCI artifact or attached to the image manifest) and validates it against the specified public key or Fulcio root of trust. In a real-world CI/CD pipeline, this command is typically run after `cosign sign` to gate deployment, ensuring only signed images from approved identities proceed.
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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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: cosign verify — The `cosign verify` command is used to check the cryptographic signature of a container image against a public key, ensuring the image's integrity and authenticity. This is the correct tool for a developer who needs to confirm that the image has not been tampered with and was signed by a trusted entity before deployment.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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