The answer is to drop all Linux capabilities and add only required ones, run the container as a non-root user, and apply a default seccomp profile. These three measures enforce container security best practices for minimal privileges by stripping unnecessary kernel permissions, preventing root-level access to the host, and restricting system calls to only those essential for operation. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the principle of least privilege in containerized environments, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify which controls reduce attack surface versus those that increase risk. A common trap is selecting options like mounting the host filesystem read-write or exposing all ports, which directly violate the minimal privileges mandate. Remember the mnemonic “Drop, User, Seccomp” to recall the three pillars: drop capabilities, run as non-root, and enforce a seccomp filter.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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 policy requires that containers run with minimal privileges. Which THREE measures should be implemented? (Select THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use --security-opt seccomp=default
Running as non-root, dropping capabilities, and using a default seccomp profile all reduce privileges. Mounting host filesystem read-write and exposing all ports increase risk.
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.
✓
Use --security-opt seccomp=default
Why this is correct
The default seccomp profile restricts system calls, improving security.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Mount host filesystem read-write
Why it's wrong here
This grants the container write access to the host, violating minimal privilege.
✓
Run as non-root user
Why this is correct
Running as non-root limits the impact of a container compromise.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Expose all ports to host
Why it's wrong here
Exposing all ports increases the attack surface; only expose necessary ports.
✓
Drop all Linux capabilities and add only required
Why this is correct
Capabilities should be minimized; drop all and add back only what is needed.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related XK0-005 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use --security-opt seccomp=default — Running as non-root, dropping capabilities, and using a default seccomp profile all reduce privileges. Mounting host filesystem read-write and exposing all ports increase risk.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 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 XK0-005 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 →
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.
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 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.