KCSA Kubernetes Cluster Component Security Practice Question
An administrator needs to secure access to the Kubernetes API server from an external CI/CD pipeline. Which mechanism should be used to authenticate the pipeline using an existing external identity provider without embedding long-lived static tokens?
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
✓
Configure the API server with --oidc-issuer-url and related flags to validate JSON Web Tokens issued by the IDP.
OpenID Connect (OIDC) tokens allow Kubernetes API servers to authenticate users and service accounts via an external identity provider, avoiding static tokens.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store the administrative kubeconfig file in a public ConfigMap.
Why it's wrong here
Storing sensitive credentials in ConfigMaps is a severe security risk.
- ✓
Configure the API server with --oidc-issuer-url and related flags to validate JSON Web Tokens issued by the IDP.
Why this is correct
This is the native method for integrating external OIDC identity providers with the Kubernetes API server.
- ✗
Enable anonymous requests on the API server for the CI/CD CIDR block.
Why it's wrong here
Anonymous requests bypass authentication entirely, exposing the cluster.
- ✗
Create a shared static password file and pass it via --basic-auth-file.
Why it's wrong here
Basic authentication is deprecated, insecure, and does not integrate with OIDC.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official CNCF / Linux Foundation exam blueprint
This KCSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF / Linux Foundation 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 KCSA exam.