KCSA Kubernetes Cluster Component Security Practice Question
You are tasked with securing a Kubernetes cluster where control plane nodes are hosted in a private network segment. To prevent unauthorized access to the API server from compromised internal workloads, which mechanism restricts which service accounts can access the API server?
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
✓
Strict RBAC Role and ClusterRole bindings adhering to the principle of least privilege.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) combined with least-privilege binding ensures service accounts only access permitted API resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Setting kubelet readOnlyPort to 8080.
Why it's wrong here
This opens an insecure port on worker nodes, worsening security.
- ✗
Enabling anonymous access.
Why it's wrong here
Anonymous access increases exposure.
- ✗
Disabling the Node authorizer.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the Node authorizer removes restrictions on kubelet API access.
- ✓
Strict RBAC Role and ClusterRole bindings adhering to the principle of least privilege.
Why this is correct
RBAC restricts what actions service accounts and users can perform against the API server.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
About these practice questions
This KCSA question is part of Courseiva's 320-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.