This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and hardening. 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.
Which kubectl command runs kube-bench against a Kubernetes cluster?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
kube-bench run
Option B is correct because `kube-bench run` is the actual command syntax for executing kube-bench, a CIS Kubernetes Benchmark assessment tool. Kube-bench is a standalone binary, not a kubectl subcommand, and it runs checks against the cluster's configuration files and processes. The `run` subcommand triggers the benchmark evaluation.
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.
✗
kubectl benchmark
Why it's wrong here
'kubectl benchmark' is not a valid kubectl command. kube-bench is a separate tool, not part of kubectl.
✓
kube-bench run
Why this is correct
The correct command to execute kube-bench is 'kube-bench run'. It runs the CIS benchmark checks and outputs results.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
kube-bench scan
Why it's wrong here
'kube-bench scan' is not a valid subcommand. The correct subcommand is 'run'.
✗
kubectl run kube-bench
Why it's wrong here
This would try to run a pod named kube-bench, not execute the kube-bench binary.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between kubectl commands and standalone security tools like kube-bench, trapping candidates who assume all security tasks are performed via kubectl subcommands.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
'kubectl benchmark' is not a valid kubectl command. kube-bench is a separate tool, not part of kubectl.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kube-bench works by reading the CIS Benchmark for Kubernetes and checking the configuration of the control plane components (e.g., kube-apiserver, kube-controller-manager) and worker nodes against recommended settings. It inspects static pod manifests, kubelet config files, and process command-line arguments, often requiring root or sudo access to read sensitive files like `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/`. In a real-world CKS scenario, you might run `kube-bench run --targets master,node` to test both control plane and worker nodes separately.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CKS question in full detail.
Cluster Setup and Hardening — This question tests Cluster Setup and Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kube-bench run — Option B is correct because `kube-bench run` is the actual command syntax for executing kube-bench, a CIS Kubernetes Benchmark assessment tool. Kube-bench is a standalone binary, not a kubectl subcommand, and it runs checks against the cluster's configuration files and processes. The `run` subcommand triggers the benchmark evaluation.
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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Question Discussion
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