When it comes to the specialist level exam, the value as well as the difficulty in terms of exam and competition increases. The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam is no different. The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam is a certification offered by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF). You need to improve your Kubernetes expertise to pass this test and become a qualified CKA.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills of Kubernetes security specialists who can design and implement secure Kubernetes environments. In the interest of protecting Kubernetes systems and container-based applications throughout development, deployment, and usage, you must demonstrate competency with a wide range of best practices.
As a result, completing the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam will provide you the confidence that a CKS has knowledge of a wide range of best practices for safeguarding Kubernetes systems and container-based applications throughout development, deployment, and runtime.
So, let’s begin our preparation journey for the CKS exam!
Preparation Guide: Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
Being one of the open-source projects with the greatest velocity in history, Kubernetes usage is exploding. The number of security specialists familiar with Kubernetes has risen quickly, enabling continuing growth across the wide variety of businesses adopting the technology. As a result, earning a Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification can help you create a better future for yourself.
However, the first and most crucial step in using the test study guide is to familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Exam. By doing this, you’ll have a better understanding of the exam’s knowledge requirements and structure, which will help you distinguish between what you already know and what has to be learned.
– Overview of the CKS Exam
The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) credential was created by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and The Linux Foundation to promote the Kubernetes ecosystem. The CKS certification test measures your proficiency with Kubernetes and cloud security in a simulated, real-world environment.
Moreover, holding a CKS demonstrates one’s suitability for doing these tasks in a professional setting and demonstrates one’s proficiency in the abilities required to secure Kubernetes systems and container-based applications during development, deployment, and runtime.
Prerequisite:
- Before taking the CKS test, you must have taken and passed the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification.
Exam Format:
- The CKS exam is a performance-based, online exam that must be proctored. It involves completing a number of activities from a command line that is running Kubernetes.
- The tests must be finished in 2 hours by the candidates.
- There are 15 to 20 performance-based tasks in the test.
- To pass the CKS Exam, you must have a score of 67% or above.
- Candidates who sign up for the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification get two chances to take the test using the Killer. sh exam simulator.
- CKS may be purchased, but scheduling cannot begin until CKA certification has been obtained.
- On the day the CKS test (including retakes) is scheduled, the CKA Certification must still be valid.
- The test is created using Kubernetes 1.24.
- Within four to eight weeks of the K8s release date, the environment for the CKS test will be in line with the most current minor version.
System Requirements to take the exam:
- To ensure that their computer satisfies the technical standards for taking a proctored test, candidates should perform the PSI Online System Security Check.
- On PSI’s proctoring platform “Bridge,” utilizing the PSI Secure Browser, the online test is proctored (a web browser created to guarantee a secure exam delivery over a virtual connection).
- When you choose “Launch exam” from the PSI Dashboard, the secure browser download/installation will start.
Terms to focus on for the exam:
Here are some important terms related to the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Exam:
- Kubernetes: Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform used for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
- Container: A container is a lightweight, stand-alone executable package that includes everything needed to run an application, including code, libraries, and system tools.
- Cluster: A Kubernetes cluster is a set of nodes that run containerized applications and work together to provide Kubernetes services.
- Pod: A pod is the smallest deployable unit in Kubernetes, representing a single instance of a running process in a cluster.
- API server: The Kubernetes API server is a component of the Kubernetes control plane that exposes the Kubernetes API.
- Control plane: The Kubernetes control plane is a set of components that manage the state of the Kubernetes cluster.
- etcd: etcd is a distributed key-value store used by Kubernetes to store cluster state.
- RBAC: Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security mechanism used by Kubernetes to control access to resources within a cluster based on user roles.
- Network policies: Kubernetes network policies are a way to control traffic flow between pods and other network endpoints in a Kubernetes cluster.
- SecurityContext: Kubernetes SecurityContext is a set of security-related attributes that can be applied to pods or containers to enforce security policies.
- Container image security: Container image security refers to the security of container images used by Kubernetes. This includes ensuring that images are free from vulnerabilities and have not been tampered with.
- Audit logging: Kubernetes audit logging is the process of recording all actions taken within a Kubernetes cluster for security and compliance purposes.
– Understanding the Exam Curriculum
This curriculum outlines the information, skills, and abilities needed to become a Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS). There is a list of the sections and subsections in this. Use this as a platform to develop a productive study routine for a stronger start to your preparation. However, the subjects include:
– Cluster Setup (10%)
- Use Network security policies to restrict cluster level access
- Use CIS benchmark to review the security configuration of Kubernetes components (etcd, kubelet, kubedns, kubeapi)
- Properly set up Ingress objects with security control
- Protect node metadata and endpoints
- Minimize use of, and access to, GUI elements
- Verify platform binaries before deploying
– Cluster Hardening (15%)
- Restrict access to Kubernetes API
- Use Role Based Access Controls to minimize exposure
- Exercise caution in using service accounts e.g. disable defaults, minimize permissions on newly created ones
- Update Kubernetes frequently
– System Hardening (15%)
- Minimize host OS footprint (reduce attack surface)
- Remove unnecessary packages
- Identify and address open ports
- Shut down any unnecessary services
- Minimize IAM roles
- Minimize external access to the network
- Appropriately use kernel hardening tools such as AppArmor, seccomp
– Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities (20%)
- Setup appropriate OS level security domains e.g. using PSP, OPA, security contexts
- Manage kubernetes secrets
- Use container runtime sandboxes in multi-tenant environments (e.g. gvisor, kata containers
- Implement pod to pod encryption by use of mTLS
– Supply Chain Security (20%)
- Minimize base image footprint
- Remove exploitable and non-sssential software
- Use multi-stage Dockerfiles to keep software compilation out of runtime images
- Never bake any secrets into your images
- Image scanning
- Secure your supply chain: whitelist allowed image registries, sign and validate images
- Use static analysis of user workloads (e.g. kubernetes resources, docker files)
- Secure base images
- Remove unnecessary packages
- Stop containers from using elevated privileges
- Scan images for known vulnerabilities
– Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security (20%)
- Perform behavioral analytics of syscall process and file activities at the host and container level to detect malicious activities
- Detect threats within physical infrastructure, apps, networks, data, users and workloads
- Detect all phases of attack regardless where it occurs and how it spreads
- Perform deep analytical investigation and identification of bad actors within environment
- Ensure immutability of containers at runtime
- Use Audit Logs to monitor access
– Use Linux Foundation Handbook
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit group that promotes the growth of Linux. This works closely with the open-source project communities to offer credentials that are current, reliable, and useful to technology employees anywhere in the globe.
The Linux Foundation is distinctive in that its commitment extends far beyond merely offering certifications for the most in-demand technologies of the day. We host initiatives developing these technologies and provide resources and labor to keep these development communities vibrant and expanding. In other words, the entity most closely associated with these technologies is The Linux Foundation.
– Gain hands-on experience with Kubernetes
The CKS exam is a performance-based exam, which means that you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks in a Kubernetes environment. Gain practical experience with Kubernetes by setting up your own cluster, deploying applications, and working with Kubernetes security features.
– Practice with the Kubernetes documentation
The Kubernetes documentation is an excellent resource for learning about Kubernetes features and best practices. Practice working with the documentation to find solutions to common Kubernetes security challenges.
– Understand the Basics of Kubectl
You can issue commands to Kubernetes clusters using the kubectl command-line tool. Applications can be deployed, cluster resources can be inspected and managed, and logs can be seen using kubectl. It makes sense to learn how to use kubectl because it will be your primary tool for the exam.
Kubectl may be used to manage the Kubernetes Cluster. After everything is set up, it becomes one of the core components of Kubernetes and works on any workstation. It has the ability to manage the nodes in the cluster. Use Kubectl commands to interact with and manage Kubernetes objects and the cluster. Among the kubectl commands are the following:
kubectl create deploy:- A new Deployment will generate as a result. Simply provide the deployment name, the image name, and a few additional details.
kubectl expose:- A new Service connected to an existing Deployment will be created as a result.
kubectl create:- This is very helpful for making new Secrets. Without having to deal with YAML, you can build an env file and then generate a secret from it.
kubectl explain:- Any Kubernetes resource’s specification can be viewed in this built-in method.
– Utilize practice tests for the preparation
You must be aware that the test will focus on a wide range of topics. Hence, before the exam, you should get as much experience as you can. The best strategy for doing this is to take practice exams. By completing the CKS Test practice examinations, you may have a better understanding of your study method and become more prepared for the actual exam. These practice tests might help you pinpoint your areas of weakness so you can work on them. You can manage your time more effectively by becoming more familiar with the test’s question format and honing your answering techniques.
– Be part of Communities
To discuss best practices and get access to the most latest exam material, join the CNCF community. From technical support and breaking/fixing difficulties to aid & information-sharing about significant topics, you may obtain assistance from these communities. Discuss your concerns in online groups with subject-matter experts, hear about others’ successes, and stay current on exam changes.
– Time management
Make sure to manage your time wisely during the exam. Don’t spend too much time on any one question and make sure to answer every question, even if you’re not sure of the answer.
– Stay calm
Finally, try to stay calm and focused during the exam. Don’t get bogged down by difficult questions and trust in the knowledge and experience you’ve gained through studying and preparation.
Exam Policies
Scheduling the exam:
- Candidates have 12 months to plan and take their test (plus a retake if necessary) from the date of exam registration, or until the expiration of their corporate membership (whichever happens first).
- The expiration date in My Portal will indicate the final day on which the candidates can take the test. The candidate’s exam eligibility will be recognized as expired after this time.
- The “Schedule” option will take candidates to the Exam Proctoring Partner’s scheduling website.
- Following that, candidates will get the option to choose their exam day and time zone.
- The earliest reservation date is the next day since exams require a 24-hour lead time to prepare the virtual machines.
Rescheduling or exam cancellation
- Before 24 hours of the exam’s scheduled start time, candidates can change or cancel their exam reservation. When 24 hours or fewer remain before the exam start time, reservation modifications are NOT POSSIBLE.
- The exam registration costs are forfeited (there is no reimbursement) and the applicant is ineligible for a retake if they “No-Show” for their scheduled exam reservation.
- By going onto My Portal and using the “Cancel or Reschedule” option, the candidate can cancel or reschedule their test if necessary.
- They can reschedule (by choosing a different day and time) or cancel their current appointment using Proctoring Partner’s Scheduling website.
Final Words
An important stage in this process is earning a certification, which enables certified security experts to immediately establish their reputation and worth in the job market and also enables businesses to employ high-quality teams to support their growth.
As a consequence, it is now time for you to start getting ready for the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Test as we have covered all necessary techniques and processes. When you prepare more, the exam becomes less intimidating and more simple. This performance-based test will help you develop and validate your knowledge of Kubernetes. To master Kubernetes, you only need to study for this test and comprehend it.
