- A
Deploying runtime security with seccomp and AppArmor
Why wrong: These are container runtime security measures; while valuable, they are not the most critical for Kubernetes hardening.
- B
Enabling container image scanning
Why wrong: Image scanning is important but is a container security practice, not a Kubernetes-specific hardening step.
- C
Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC ensures that only authorized users and service accounts have appropriate permissions, a fundamental security control.
- D
Using admission controllers like PodSecurityPolicy
Why wrong: PodSecurityPolicy is deprecated; Pod Security Standards are recommended but not as critical as RBAC and network policies.
- E
Configuring network policies to restrict pod communication
Network policies allow fine-grained control over east-west traffic, reducing lateral movement.
CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A security architect is designing a Kubernetes cluster for a government agency that requires high security and compliance with FedRAMP. The cluster will host microservices processing sensitive data. Which TWO configurations are most critical for hardening the Kubernetes environment? (Choose 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
Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) restricts user and service account permissions, enforcing least privilege. Network policies control pod-to-pod communication, enabling micro-segmentation. Pod security policies (now replaced by Pod Security Standards) are important but less critical than RBAC and network policies. Image scanning and runtime security are important but are container security measures, not Kubernetes-specific hardening.
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.
- ✗
Deploying runtime security with seccomp and AppArmor
Why it's wrong here
These are container runtime security measures; while valuable, they are not the most critical for Kubernetes hardening.
- ✗
Enabling container image scanning
Why it's wrong here
Image scanning is important but is a container security practice, not a Kubernetes-specific hardening step.
- ✓
Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Why this is correct
RBAC ensures that only authorized users and service accounts have appropriate permissions, a fundamental security control.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Using admission controllers like PodSecurityPolicy
Why it's wrong here
PodSecurityPolicy is deprecated; Pod Security Standards are recommended but not as critical as RBAC and network policies.
- ✓
Configuring network policies to restrict pod communication
Why this is correct
Network policies allow fine-grained control over east-west traffic, reducing lateral movement.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CAS-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Security Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Architecture practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CAS-004 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CAS-004 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CAS-004 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Application Environment, Configuration and Security.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Engineering and Cryptography practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Engineering and Cryptography.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Operations.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Governance, Risk, and Compliance.
Governance, Risk and Compliance practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Security Engineering practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Engineering.
CAS-004 fundamentals practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 fundamentals.
CAS-004 scenario practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 scenario.
CAS-004 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CAS-004 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CAS-004 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) — RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) restricts user and service account permissions, enforcing least privilege. Network policies control pod-to-pod communication, enabling micro-segmentation. Pod security policies (now replaced by Pod Security Standards) are important but less critical than RBAC and network policies. Image scanning and runtime security are important but are container security measures, not Kubernetes-specific hardening.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 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 CAS-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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: Jul 4, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-004 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.