- A
Seccomp and AppArmor profiles with RBAC
Why wrong: Seccomp/AppArmor restrict system calls but do not enforce approved images. RBAC controls user actions, not container images.
- B
Kubernetes network policies and RBAC
Why wrong: Network policies control pod-to-pod traffic; RBAC controls user permissions. Neither enforces approved images nor prevents privilege escalation.
- C
Admission controllers with image signing and PodSecurityPolicy
Admission controllers can validate image signatures and PodSecurityPolicy restricts privilege escalation. Together they enforce image approval and prevent privilege escalation.
- D
Container image scanning and network policies
Why wrong: Scanning identifies vulnerabilities but does not block unauthorized images from running. Network policies restrict traffic, not image execution.
CAS-004 Security Architecture Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An organization is deploying a containerized application on Kubernetes and must enforce that only approved container images are allowed to run, and that containers cannot escalate privileges. Which combination of controls should the architect implement?
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
Admission controllers with image signing and PodSecurityPolicy
Admission controllers intercept requests to the Kubernetes API server; PodSecurityPolicy (now replaced by Pod Security Standards) can enforce privilege escalation restrictions. Image signing ensures only approved images are run. Seccomp and AppArmor are runtime security profiles, but they don't enforce image approval. RBAC controls user access, not image approval. Network policies control traffic, not image approval.
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.
- ✗
Seccomp and AppArmor profiles with RBAC
Why it's wrong here
Seccomp/AppArmor restrict system calls but do not enforce approved images. RBAC controls user actions, not container images.
- ✗
Kubernetes network policies and RBAC
Why it's wrong here
Network policies control pod-to-pod traffic; RBAC controls user permissions. Neither enforces approved images nor prevents privilege escalation.
- ✓
Admission controllers with image signing and PodSecurityPolicy
Why this is correct
Admission controllers can validate image signatures and PodSecurityPolicy restricts privilege escalation. Together they enforce image approval and prevent privilege escalation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Container image scanning and network policies
Why it's wrong here
Scanning identifies vulnerabilities but does not block unauthorized images from running. Network policies restrict traffic, not image execution.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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
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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: Admission controllers with image signing and PodSecurityPolicy — Admission controllers intercept requests to the Kubernetes API server; PodSecurityPolicy (now replaced by Pod Security Standards) can enforce privilege escalation restrictions. Image signing ensures only approved images are run. Seccomp and AppArmor are runtime security profiles, but they don't enforce image approval. RBAC controls user access, not image approval. Network policies control traffic, not image approval.
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.
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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.
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