KCNA Kubernetes Fundamentals Practice Question
A developer creates a pod that needs to securely access a database password stored in the cluster. Which Kubernetes resource should be used to inject the password as an environment variable?
⚠ Common exam trap
CNCF often tests the distinction between ConfigMaps and Secrets, trapping candidates who assume ConfigMaps can handle sensitive data because both resources can inject environment variables, but Secrets are the only secure choice for passwords.
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
✓
Secret
A Secret is the correct Kubernetes resource for injecting sensitive data like a database password into a Pod as an environment variable. Secrets store base64-encoded data and are designed specifically for confidential information, unlike ConfigMaps which store non-sensitive configuration. When mounted as environment variables, Secrets ensure the password is not exposed in plaintext in the Pod specification or image layers.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Secret
Why this is correct
Correct; Secrets store sensitive data like passwords.
- ✗
ServiceAccount
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; ServiceAccounts provide identity, not secrets.
- ✗
ConfigMap
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; ConfigMaps are for non-sensitive configuration data.
- ✗
PersistentVolumeClaim
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; PVCs are for storage volumes.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This KCNA 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 KCNA exam.