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 will disable anonymous authentication on a kube-apiserver?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
kubectl edit pod kube-apiserver -n kube-system and add --anonymous-auth=false
Option A is correct because the kube-apiserver is a static pod managed by the kubelet, and its configuration is defined in a manifest file located in /etc/kubernetes/manifests/ on the control-plane node. Editing the pod directly with `kubectl edit pod kube-apiserver -n kube-system` allows you to add the `--anonymous-auth=false` flag to the kube-apiserver command, which disables anonymous authentication by rejecting requests from unauthenticated users. This change is automatically applied by the kubelet, which restarts the static pod with the updated configuration.
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 edit pod kube-apiserver -n kube-system and add --anonymous-auth=false
Why this is correct
This command allows editing the kube-apiserver pod to set the flag.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
kubectl run --image=k8s.gcr.io/kube-apiserver --env=ANONYMOUS_AUTH=false
Why it's wrong here
This would create a new pod, not modify the existing apiserver.
kubectl set env deployment/kube-apiserver -n kube-system ANONYMOUS_AUTH=false
Why it's wrong here
kube-apiserver is not a Deployment; it's a static pod.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the misconception that the kube-apiserver can be configured via environment variables or that it runs as a Deployment, when in fact it is a static pod configured solely through command-line arguments in its manifest file.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kube-apiserver's `--anonymous-auth` flag controls whether requests without authentication credentials are allowed; when set to `false`, the apiserver returns HTTP 401 Unauthorized for unauthenticated requests, which is critical for enforcing RBAC and preventing anonymous access to cluster resources. Static pods are managed directly by the kubelet from manifest files in `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/`, so editing the pod object via kubectl actually modifies the underlying manifest, triggering an automatic restart of the apiserver container. In a real-world scenario, disabling anonymous authentication is a key hardening step recommended by the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark, as it prevents potential information disclosure or privilege escalation via anonymous API calls.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: kubectl edit pod kube-apiserver -n kube-system and add --anonymous-auth=false — Option A is correct because the kube-apiserver is a static pod managed by the kubelet, and its configuration is defined in a manifest file located in /etc/kubernetes/manifests/ on the control-plane node. Editing the pod directly with `kubectl edit pod kube-apiserver -n kube-system` allows you to add the `--anonymous-auth=false` flag to the kube-apiserver command, which disables anonymous authentication by rejecting requests from unauthenticated users. This change is automatically applied by the kubelet, which restarts the static pod with the updated configuration.
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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