- A
Set the container to run as a non-root user
Running as non-root reduces the impact of a compromise.
- B
Enable host networking mode
Why wrong: Host networking mode gives the container access to the host network stack, increasing risk.
- C
Use a privileged container
Why wrong: Privileged containers have all capabilities and should be avoided.
- D
Drop all Linux capabilities except those needed
Reducing capabilities limits the container's ability to perform privileged operations.
- E
Mount the host filesystem as read-write
Why wrong: Mounting host filesystem gives the container access to host files, increasing escape risk.
Question 177 of 1,000
mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CCSP Practice Question: A security auditor is reviewing a Kubernetes…
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 security auditor is reviewing a Kubernetes cluster and identifies that containers are running as root with full Linux capabilities. Which TWO security measures would help mitigate container escape risks in this environment?
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
✓
Set the container to run as a non-root user
Dropping all Linux capabilities and setting the container to run as a non-root user are effective. Running with a read-only root filesystem also helps, but the question asks for two measures: dropping capabilities and using a non-root user are the most direct.
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.
- ✓
Set the container to run as a non-root user
Why this is correct
Running as non-root reduces the impact of a compromise.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enable host networking mode
Why it's wrong here
Host networking mode gives the container access to the host network stack, increasing risk.
- ✗
Use a privileged container
Why it's wrong here
Privileged containers have all capabilities and should be avoided.
- ✓
Drop all Linux capabilities except those needed
Why this is correct
Reducing capabilities limits the container's ability to perform privileged operations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Mount the host filesystem as read-write
Why it's wrong here
Mounting host filesystem gives the container access to host files, increasing escape risk.
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: Set the container to run as a non-root user — Dropping all Linux capabilities and setting the container to run as a non-root user are effective. Running with a read-only root filesystem also helps, but the question asks for two measures: dropping capabilities and using a non-root user are the most direct.
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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