- A
Set the container to run as non-root user
Why wrong: Incorrect. Running as non-root reduces risk but does not prevent privilege escalation if capabilities allow privilege escalation.
- B
Drop all Linux capabilities from the container
Correct. Dropping all Linux capabilities removes the ability to perform privileged operations, directly preventing privilege escalation.
- C
Mount the container root filesystem as read-only
Why wrong: Incorrect. Mounting the root filesystem as read-only prevents writes to the root filesystem but does not prevent privilege escalation through other means such as kernel exploits or mounted volumes.
- D
Enable SELinux enforcing mode on the host
Why wrong: Incorrect. SELinux enforcing mode adds a layer of security but is not the most effective direct measure for preventing privilege escalation within the container.
SSCP Practice Question: A company runs containerized applications in a…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 runs containerized applications in a Kubernetes cluster. They need to ensure that containers run with the least privilege and cannot escalate privileges. Which configuration change is MOST effective?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
Drop all Linux capabilities from the container
Option B is correct because dropping all Linux capabilities from the container directly removes the ability to perform privileged operations, including privilege escalation. This is the most effective measure for preventing privilege escalation. Option A is incorrect because running as non-root does not prevent privilege escalation if the container retains capabilities. Option C is incorrect because mounting root as read-only does not prevent privilege escalation via kernel exploits or mounted volumes. Option D is incorrect because SELinux enforcing mode adds MAC but is not the most direct way to prevent privilege escalation within the container.
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 non-root user
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Running as non-root reduces risk but does not prevent privilege escalation if capabilities allow privilege escalation.
- ✓
Drop all Linux capabilities from the container
Why this is correct
Correct. Dropping all Linux capabilities removes the ability to perform privileged operations, directly preventing privilege escalation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Mount the container root filesystem as read-only
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Mounting the root filesystem as read-only prevents writes to the root filesystem but does not prevent privilege escalation through other means such as kernel exploits or mounted volumes.
- ✗
Enable SELinux enforcing mode on the host
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. SELinux enforcing mode adds a layer of security but is not the most effective direct measure for preventing privilege escalation within the container.
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 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.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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 SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Drop all Linux capabilities from the container — Option B is correct because dropping all Linux capabilities from the container directly removes the ability to perform privileged operations, including privilege escalation. This is the most effective measure for preventing privilege escalation. Option A is incorrect because running as non-root does not prevent privilege escalation if the container retains capabilities. Option C is incorrect because mounting root as read-only does not prevent privilege escalation via kernel exploits or mounted volumes. Option D is incorrect because SELinux enforcing mode adds MAC but is not the most direct way to prevent privilege escalation within the container.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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 SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SSCP practice questions
- A company has implemented a new vulnerability scanner and the first scan reports 200 vulnerabilities. The security team…
- A security analyst is reviewing logs and notices multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address against an admi…
- A security manager is evaluating log sources for a SIEM implementation. Which THREE of the following are considered log…
- A vulnerability scanner reports a medium-severity finding on a server. After investigation, the security team determines…
- During a qualitative risk analysis, an organization rates the likelihood of a flood as 'Low' and the impact as 'High'. U…
- A security analyst is tuning a SIEM to reduce false positives. Which of the following actions is most likely to reduce f…
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.