- A
Using a read-only root filesystem
A read-only filesystem prevents writing to critical system areas.
- B
Disabling SELinux inside the container
Why wrong: Disabling SELinux reduces security.
- C
Running containers in privileged mode
Why wrong: Privileged mode grants extensive host access, increasing risk.
- D
Dropping all Linux capabilities
Dropping capabilities limits the container's ability to perform privileged operations.
- E
Mapping the host's Docker socket into the container
Why wrong: Mapping the Docker socket gives container control over the host daemon.
CCSP Practice Question: A cloud security auditor is reviewing container…
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of ccsp exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security auditor is reviewing container runtime configurations. Which TWO practices help prevent a container from compromising the host operating system?
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
Using a read-only root filesystem
Running containers without the --privileged flag and with a read-only root filesystem reduces the risk of host compromise.
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.
- ✓
Using a read-only root filesystem
Why this is correct
A read-only filesystem prevents writing to critical system areas.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Disabling SELinux inside the container
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SELinux reduces security.
- ✗
Running containers in privileged mode
Why it's wrong here
Privileged mode grants extensive host access, increasing risk.
- ✓
Dropping all Linux capabilities
Why this is correct
Dropping capabilities limits the container's ability to perform privileged operations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Mapping the host's Docker socket into the container
Why it's wrong here
Mapping the Docker socket gives container control over the host daemon.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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: Using a read-only root filesystem — Running containers without the --privileged flag and with a read-only root filesystem reduces the risk of host compromise.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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