Question 758 of 997
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CV0-004 Security Practice Question

This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 administrator needs to enforce least privilege for a Kubernetes cluster in a cloud environment. Which approach should be used to restrict permissions for pods that need to access the cloud provider's API?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

  • Clue: "least"

    Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

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

Use a service account with a role that has only the required permissions

Using a service account with a role that has minimal permissions and attaching it to the pod ensures least privilege for pod-to-cloud API access.

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.

  • Assign the pod a static cloud IAM user credential

    Why it's wrong here

    Static credentials should be avoided; service accounts are preferred.

  • Disable cloud API access for all pods

    Why it's wrong here

    Some pods may legitimately need API access.

  • Use a service account with a role that has only the required permissions

    Why this is correct

    Service accounts provide secure, scoped access for pods.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Authentication checks who the user is.

  • Grant the pod cluster-admin privileges in Kubernetes

    Why it's wrong here

    Cluster-admin is over-permissive and violates least privilege.

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 CV0-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.

Related practice questions

Related CV0-004 practice-question pages

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this CV0-004 question test?

Security — This question tests Security — Authentication checks who the user is..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Use a service account with a role that has only the required permissions — Using a service account with a role that has minimal permissions and attaching it to the pod ensures least privilege for pod-to-cloud API access.

What should I do if I get this CV0-004 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 CV0-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Authentication checks who the user is.

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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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