This CKS practice question tests your understanding of system 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 THREE of the following are correct statements about seccomp in Kubernetes? (Select 3)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Seccomp can be configured using the securityContext.seccompProfile field
Option A is correct because the `securityContext.seccompProfile` field in a Pod or container spec allows you to configure seccomp profiles directly in the Kubernetes API. This field supports values like `RuntimeDefault`, `Localhost`, and `Unconfined`, enabling fine-grained control over system call filtering without requiring manual profile loading on the node.
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.
✓
Seccomp can be configured using the securityContext.seccompProfile field
Why this is correct
Correct. seccompProfile is used in the security context.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Seccomp profiles can only be applied to privileged containers
Why it's wrong here
Seccomp can be applied to any container, privileged or not.
✓
The RuntimeDefault seccomp profile uses the container runtime's default profile
Why this is correct
Correct. It applies the runtime's default.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Seccomp can only restrict system calls, not allow them
Why it's wrong here
Seccomp profiles can both allow and deny syscalls.
✓
Custom seccomp profiles must be placed in /var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/ on the node
Why this is correct
Correct. That is the default directory for custom profiles.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the misconception that seccomp only applies to privileged containers or that it can only deny syscalls, when in fact it is a general-purpose syscall filter for all containers and supports both allow and deny actions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Seccomp (secure computing mode) works by intercepting system calls at the kernel level using BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) rules. The `RuntimeDefault` profile, provided by runtimes like containerd and CRI-O, typically blocks around 40–50 dangerous syscalls (e.g., `mount`, `reboot`, `kexec_load`) while allowing common ones, balancing security and compatibility. Custom profiles stored in `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/` are loaded by the kubelet and passed to the container runtime via the CRI, ensuring node-level persistence.
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.
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: Seccomp can be configured using the securityContext.seccompProfile field — Option A is correct because the `securityContext.seccompProfile` field in a Pod or container spec allows you to configure seccomp profiles directly in the Kubernetes API. This field supports values like `RuntimeDefault`, `Localhost`, and `Unconfined`, enabling fine-grained control over system call filtering without requiring manual profile loading on the node.
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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