This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 of the following are best practices for securing a CI/CD pipeline that builds and deploys container images? (Select TWO.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Scan container images for vulnerabilities in the pipeline
Options A and C are correct. Scanning images for vulnerabilities in the pipeline ensures that insecure images are not deployed. Signing images ensures integrity and provenance. Option B is wrong because storing secrets in environment variables in the pipeline is insecure; use secret management. Option D is wrong because running builds as root increases risk. Option E is wrong because granting all permissions violates the principle of least privilege.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Scan container images for vulnerabilities in the pipeline
Why this is correct
Scanning helps catch vulnerabilities before deployment.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Store secrets as environment variables in the pipeline configuration
Why it's wrong here
Environment variables can be exposed; use a secrets manager.
✓
Sign container images after building them
Why this is correct
Signing ensures the image has not been tampered with.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Run the build process as root to avoid permission issues
Why it's wrong here
Running as root increases security risks.
✗
Grant all permissions to the pipeline service account to avoid failures
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege should be applied to reduce attack surface.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CKS questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Supply Chain Security — This question tests Supply Chain Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Scan container images for vulnerabilities in the pipeline — Options A and C are correct. Scanning images for vulnerabilities in the pipeline ensures that insecure images are not deployed. Signing images ensures integrity and provenance. Option B is wrong because storing secrets in environment variables in the pipeline is insecure; use secret management. Option D is wrong because running builds as root increases risk. Option E is wrong because granting all permissions violates the principle of least privilege.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CKS questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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