Quick Answer
The answer is to use minimal base images and scan them for vulnerabilities. This is the most important container image security best practice because minimal images drastically reduce the attack surface by eliminating unnecessary packages and libraries, while vulnerability scanning actively detects known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) before deployment. On the Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of the software development security domain, specifically secure coding and deployment practices within a DevOps pipeline. A common trap is assuming that using the 'latest' tag is safe, but this leads to inconsistent builds and untracked changes; the exam expects you to prioritize immutable, version-pinned images. Remember the mnemonic "Minimize and Scan" — a small, clean image that has been scanned is far more secure than a bloated one, no matter how well it is configured.
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. 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 company uses Docker containers for microservices. What is the most important security measure for container images?
Use minimal base images and scan them for vulnerabilities
Reduces attack surface and identifies known flaws.
Use the latest version of base image to ensure patches
Why wrong: 'Latest' may not be reproducible and could contain new vulnerabilities.
Hardcode secrets into the image
Why wrong: Secrets should never be embedded.
Run containers as root for easier privilege management
Why wrong: Running as root weakens security.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use minimal base images and scan them for vulnerabilities
Option A is correct because minimal base images reduce attack surface, and vulnerability scanning detects known issues. Option B is wrong because using 'latest' tags can cause inconsistent builds. Option C is wrong because running as root is insecure. Option D is wrong because hardcoding secrets is never recommended.
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.
Use minimal base images and scan them for vulnerabilities
Why this is correct
Reduces attack surface and identifies known flaws.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Use the latest version of base image to ensure patches
Why it's wrong here
'Latest' may not be reproducible and could contain new vulnerabilities.
Hardcode secrets into the image
Why it's wrong here
Secrets should never be embedded.
Run containers as root for easier privilege management
Why it's wrong here
Running as root weakens security.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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 CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Software Development Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Use minimal base images and scan them for vulnerabilities — Option A is correct because minimal base images reduce attack surface, and vulnerability scanning detects known issues. Option B is wrong because using 'latest' tags can cause inconsistent builds. Option C is wrong because running as root is insecure. Option D is wrong because hardcoding secrets is never recommended.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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