Quick Answer
The answer is Binary Authorization. This GKE feature enforces deploy-time security policies by requiring that only container images with valid cryptographic attestations from approved sources, such as specific Artifact Registry repositories, can be deployed into a cluster. For the production namespace scenario, Binary Authorization integrates with Artifact Registry to verify that each image has been signed by an authorized authority before allowing the pod to run, effectively blocking any unapproved or untrusted images. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this question tests your understanding of GKE security controls and the distinction between admission controllers and network or identity tools—a common trap is confusing Binary Authorization with Network Policies (which control traffic, not image provenance) or with deprecated PodSecurityPolicies (which are not image-based). Remember the mnemonic: “Binary checks the bits before the pod sits”—it’s the gatekeeper for approved images, not for who can access the cluster or how pods communicate.
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of deploying applications. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 deploys a critical application on GKE with multiple namespaces. They want to enforce that only certain images from approved Artifact Registry repositories can be deployed in the production namespace. Which GKE feature should they use?
Binary Authorization
Binary Authorization enforces policies on container images based on attestations.
Network Policies
Why wrong: Network Policies control pod network traffic, not image provenance.
Workload Identity
Why wrong: Workload Identity manages service account access, not image policies.
Pod Security Policies (deprecated)
Why wrong: PSP is deprecated and does not restrict image sources.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Binary Authorization
Binary Authorization enforces deploy-time policies based on image attestations. Option A controls network traffic. Option B is deprecated and not image-based. Option C is for service accounts.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Binary Authorization
Why this is correct
Binary Authorization enforces policies on container images based on attestations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Network Policies
Why it's wrong here
Network Policies control pod network traffic, not image provenance.
Workload Identity
Why it's wrong here
Workload Identity manages service account access, not image policies.
Pod Security Policies (deprecated)
Why it's wrong here
PSP is deprecated and does not restrict image sources.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCD questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Deploying applications — This question tests Deploying applications — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Binary Authorization — Binary Authorization enforces deploy-time policies based on image attestations. Option A controls network traffic. Option B is deprecated and not image-based. Option C is for service accounts.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PCD questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This PCD practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCD exam.
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