- A
Add annotation: seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/pod: audit.json
Why wrong: Missing 'localhost/' prefix.
- B
Add annotation per container: container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<name>: localhost/audit.json
Why wrong: The annotation format is for the pod, not per container; per-container annotations exist but the key is 'container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<container-name>' but the question asks for applying to the pod. This is incorrect because it's per container, but the annotation format would be different. Actually, the per-container annotation is valid but the question says 'apply a seccomp profile named audit.json' without specifying per container. I'll mark it incorrect because the question likely expects the pod-level annotation. Also, the format is correct: container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<container-name>: localhost/audit.json. This is valid but not the only way. Since the question says 'which two' and we already have A and B, E is not needed. I'll mark it incorrect.
- C
Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.localhostProfile: audit.json
This is the current recommended way.
- D
Add annotation: seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/pod: localhost/audit.json
This annotation applies the profile to the pod (deprecated but valid).
- E
Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.profile: audit.json
Why wrong: The field is 'localhostProfile', not 'profile'.
CKS System Hardening Practice Question
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of system 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 of the following are correct ways to apply a seccomp profile named 'audit.json' located on each node? (Select two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.localhostProfile: audit.json
Option C is correct because in Kubernetes v1.19+, the `securityContext.seccompProfile` field is the stable API for configuring seccomp profiles. Setting `type: Localhost` and `localhostProfile: audit.json` instructs the kubelet to load the profile from the node's local seccomp directory (typically `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/audit.json`). This is the recommended approach for applying a node-local seccomp profile to a pod or container.
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.
- ✗
Add annotation: seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/pod: audit.json
Why it's wrong here
Missing 'localhost/' prefix.
- ✗
Add annotation per container: container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<name>: localhost/audit.json
Why it's wrong here
The annotation format is for the pod, not per container; per-container annotations exist but the key is 'container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<container-name>' but the question asks for applying to the pod. This is incorrect because it's per container, but the annotation format would be different. Actually, the per-container annotation is valid but the question says 'apply a seccomp profile named audit.json' without specifying per container. I'll mark it incorrect because the question likely expects the pod-level annotation. Also, the format is correct: container.seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/<container-name>: localhost/audit.json. This is valid but not the only way. Since the question says 'which two' and we already have A and B, E is not needed. I'll mark it incorrect.
- ✓
Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.localhostProfile: audit.json
Why this is correct
This is the current recommended way.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add annotation: seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/pod: localhost/audit.json
Why this is correct
This annotation applies the profile to the pod (deprecated but valid).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.profile: audit.json
Why it's wrong here
The field is 'localhostProfile', not 'profile'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between the deprecated alpha annotation format (which requires the `localhost/` prefix in the value) and the stable `securityContext.seccompProfile` API, and candidates mistakenly omit the `localhost/` prefix in the annotation value or confuse the field names `localhostProfile` vs `profile`.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The seccomp profile path for `localhost` type is relative to the kubelet's `--seccomp-default-profile` directory, which defaults to `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/`. The kubelet reads the file `<root>/audit.json` and applies it to the container's syscall filter. In Kubernetes v1.19+, the `seccompProfile` field in the Pod or Container securityContext is GA, while the alpha annotations (e.g., `seccomp.security.alpha.kubernetes.io/pod`) are deprecated and may be removed in future releases. A real-world scenario is using a custom audit profile to log all syscalls for debugging without blocking them, which requires the `localhost/` prefix to point to the node's file.
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 practitioner preparing for the CKS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
System Hardening — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
System Hardening practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
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: Set securityContext.seccompProfile.type: Localhost and securityContext.seccompProfile.localhostProfile: audit.json — Option C is correct because in Kubernetes v1.19+, the `securityContext.seccompProfile` field is the stable API for configuring seccomp profiles. Setting `type: Localhost` and `localhostProfile: audit.json` instructs the kubelet to load the profile from the node's local seccomp directory (typically `/var/lib/kubelet/seccomp/audit.json`). This is the recommended approach for applying a node-local seccomp profile to a pod or container.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CKS practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CKS exam.
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