This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and 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 kubelet flag should be set to ensure the kubelet does not allow anonymous requests?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
--anonymous-auth=false
Option C is correct because setting `--anonymous-auth=false` explicitly disables anonymous requests to the kubelet. By default, anonymous authentication is enabled, which allows unauthenticated users to access the kubelet API. Disabling this flag ensures that only authenticated requests are processed, aligning with the principle of least privilege and hardening the cluster.
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.
✗
--authentication-token-webhook=true
Why it's wrong here
This enables token webhook authentication but does not disable anonymous auth.
✗
--read-only-port=0
Why it's wrong here
This disables the read-only port but does not disable anonymous authentication.
✓
--anonymous-auth=false
Why this is correct
Setting this flag to false on the kubelet disables anonymous requests to the kubelet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
--protect-kernel-defaults=true
Why it's wrong here
This flag ensures kernel parameters are set but does not affect authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `--anonymous-auth=false` with `--authentication-token-webhook=true`, thinking token webhook alone blocks anonymous requests, but anonymous auth must be explicitly disabled as a separate step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kubelet's authentication system supports multiple authenticators: x509 client certificates, bearer tokens (via webhook), and anonymous access. When `--anonymous-auth` is set to `false`, the kubelet rejects any request that does not present valid credentials, returning a 401 Unauthorized response. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could exploit anonymous access to enumerate pods or nodes if the kubelet is exposed, making this flag critical for production clusters with network policies that restrict direct access.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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: --anonymous-auth=false — Option C is correct because setting `--anonymous-auth=false` explicitly disables anonymous requests to the kubelet. By default, anonymous authentication is enabled, which allows unauthenticated users to access the kubelet API. Disabling this flag ensures that only authenticated requests are processed, aligning with the principle of least privilege and hardening the cluster.
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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