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 TWO kubelet flags are recommended by the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark to enhance security? (Select TWO)
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 A is correct because setting --anonymous-auth=false disables anonymous requests to the kubelet API, which is a CIS Benchmark recommendation to prevent unauthenticated access. Option D is correct because --protect-kernel-defaults=true ensures the kubelet checks and enforces kernel hardening parameters (e.g., sysctl settings) at startup, reducing the attack surface.
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.
✓
--anonymous-auth=false
Why this is correct
Disables anonymous access to the kubelet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
--authentication-token-webhook=false
Why it's wrong here
Token webhook authentication should be enabled for security.
✗
--read-only-port=10255
Why it's wrong here
The read-only port should be set to 0 to disable it, not 10255.
✓
--protect-kernel-defaults=true
Why this is correct
This flag ensures kernel parameters are set securely.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
--authorization-mode=AlwaysAllow
Why it's wrong here
AlwaysAllow is insecure; should use Webhook.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between authentication and authorization flags, tricking candidates into thinking that disabling webhook authentication (--authentication-token-webhook=false) is secure, when in fact it removes a key validation layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The kubelet's authentication and authorization are separate layers: --anonymous-auth controls unauthenticated access, while --authorization-mode defines how authenticated requests are evaluated. The --protect-kernel-defaults flag enforces sysctl parameters like net.ipv4.ip_forward=0 and kernel.panic_on_oops=1, which are critical for container isolation. In practice, disabling the read-only port (--read-only-port=0) is essential because it prevents information leakage about pods and node state without requiring any credentials.
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 A is correct because setting --anonymous-auth=false disables anonymous requests to the kubelet API, which is a CIS Benchmark recommendation to prevent unauthenticated access. Option D is correct because --protect-kernel-defaults=true ensures the kubelet checks and enforces kernel hardening parameters (e.g., sysctl settings) at startup, reducing the attack surface.
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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