- A
Sign images using Cosign
Image signing ensures authenticity and integrity.
- B
Always use the 'latest' tag for base images
Why wrong: The 'latest' tag is mutable and may introduce vulnerabilities.
- C
Run containers with root privileges by default
Why wrong: Running as root increases risk; use non-root users.
- D
Use immutable image tags (e.g., commit hash)
Immutable tags prevent accidental use of compromised images.
- E
Scan images for CVEs with Trivy
Vulnerability scanning identifies known security issues.
CCSP Practice Question: A cloud architect is designing a defense-in-depth…
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of ccsp exam topics. 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.
A cloud architect is designing a defense-in-depth strategy for a containerized application. Which THREE practices should be implemented to secure the container supply chain?
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
Sign images using Cosign
Image signing, vulnerability scanning, and using immutable tags are key supply chain security practices. Using the 'latest' tag is risky, and running containers as root is insecure.
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.
- ✓
Sign images using Cosign
Why this is correct
Image signing ensures authenticity and integrity.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Always use the 'latest' tag for base images
Why it's wrong here
The 'latest' tag is mutable and may introduce vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Run containers with root privileges by default
Why it's wrong here
Running as root increases risk; use non-root users.
- ✓
Use immutable image tags (e.g., commit hash)
Why this is correct
Immutable tags prevent accidental use of compromised images.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Scan images for CVEs with Trivy
Why this is correct
Vulnerability scanning identifies known security issues.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach 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 CCSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Sign images using Cosign — Image signing, vulnerability scanning, and using immutable tags are key supply chain security practices. Using the 'latest' tag is risky, and running containers as root is insecure.
What should I do if I get this CCSP 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 CCSP 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 CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.
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