- A
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict who can push images to the registry.
Why wrong: RBAC controls who can push images but does not verify the content of the images or enforce deployment policies.
- B
Configure the Kubernetes admission controller to reject pods that use unsigned images.
An admission controller can enforce policies at deployment time, rejecting pods that do not meet criteria such as image signature verification.
- C
Use network policies to restrict pod-to-pod communication.
Why wrong: Network policies control traffic flow between pods, not which images are allowed to be deployed.
- D
Scan all container images for vulnerabilities in the CI pipeline.
Why wrong: Vulnerability scanning is important but does not enforce that only approved images are deployed; it only identifies known vulnerabilities.
- E
Sign container images with a private key and verify signatures before deployment.
Image signing ensures that images come from a trusted source and haven't been tampered with.
Quick Answer
The answer is to sign container images with a private key and verify signatures before deployment, combined with an admission controller that enforces the use of only signed images. This is correct because Kubernetes approved images admission control relies on cryptographic verification at the point of pod creation; an admission controller like ImagePolicyWebhook or a custom OPA/Gatekeeper policy can reject any pod referencing an unsigned or improperly signed image, ensuring only images with validated integrity enter the cluster. On the Certified Cloud Security Professional CCSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to enforce supply chain security within a CI/CD pipeline, often contrasting image signing with less reliable methods like image scanning or allowlists. A common trap is choosing “scan images for vulnerabilities” instead—scanning finds flaws but does not prove the image was built from an approved source. Remember the mnemonic “Sign and Reject”: sign images at build time, reject unsigned ones at admission time.
CCSP Cloud Security Operations Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud security operations. 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 security architect is designing a secure CI/CD pipeline for a containerized application deployed on a Kubernetes cluster. The pipeline must ensure that only approved images are deployed. Which TWO of the following controls should be implemented? (Choose two.)
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
Configure the Kubernetes admission controller to reject pods that use unsigned images.
Option B is correct because Kubernetes admission controllers can enforce policies such as rejecting pods that use unsigned images, ensuring only images with verified signatures are deployed. This directly addresses the requirement to deploy only approved images by validating image integrity at admission time.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict who can push images to the registry.
Why it's wrong here
RBAC controls who can push images but does not verify the content of the images or enforce deployment policies.
- ✓
Configure the Kubernetes admission controller to reject pods that use unsigned images.
Why this is correct
An admission controller can enforce policies at deployment time, rejecting pods that do not meet criteria such as image signature verification.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use network policies to restrict pod-to-pod communication.
Why it's wrong here
Network policies control traffic flow between pods, not which images are allowed to be deployed.
- ✗
Scan all container images for vulnerabilities in the CI pipeline.
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is important but does not enforce that only approved images are deployed; it only identifies known vulnerabilities.
- ✓
Sign container images with a private key and verify signatures before deployment.
Why this is correct
Image signing ensures that images come from a trusted source and haven't been tampered with.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between controls that prevent unauthorized images from being deployed (signing and admission control) versus controls that manage access or detect vulnerabilities but do not enforce approval at deployment time.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Image signing typically uses tools like Docker Content Trust (based on The Update Framework, TUF) or Notary to sign images with a private key, and the Kubernetes admission controller (e.g., using OPA Gatekeeper or the built-in ImagePolicyWebhook) verifies the signature against a trusted public key before allowing the pod to run. In a real-world scenario, a compromised CI pipeline could produce a vulnerable image that passes scanning but is not signed; signature verification catches such unauthorized images at deployment time.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Cloud Security Operations — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Cloud Security Operations — This question tests Cloud Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the Kubernetes admission controller to reject pods that use unsigned images. — Option B is correct because Kubernetes admission controllers can enforce policies such as rejecting pods that use unsigned images, ensuring only images with verified signatures are deployed. This directly addresses the requirement to deploy only approved images by validating image integrity at admission time.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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