Certified Kubernetes Solutions Architect (CKSA)

Introduction

While the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) proves you can build and manage a cluster, the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) proves you can secure it against advanced cyber threats.

(Note: The CNCF does not offer a "Solutions Architect" certification for Kubernetes; the CKA, CKAD, and CKS form the holy trinity of Kubernetes certifications).

Prerequisites

The CKS is considered the most difficult of the three certifications. Because security requires a deep understanding of how the underlying cluster operates, you must hold an active CKA certification before you are allowed to sit for the CKS exam.

Exam Domains

The CKS is a hands-on, performance-based exam that covers:

1. Cluster Setup: Using CIS Benchmarks to secure the control plane, securing Ingress traffic, and restricting access to the Kubernetes API.
2. Cluster Hardening: Enforcing strict Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and minimizing IAM roles.
3. System Microservice Vulnerabilities: Managing Kubernetes Secrets, utilizing Container Runtime sandboxes (like gVisor), and implementing Pod Security Standards.
4. Supply Chain Security: Scanning Docker images for vulnerabilities, signing images, and restricting allowed image registries via admission controllers (like OPA Gatekeeper).
5. Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security: Using tools like Falco to detect malicious activity inside running containers, and ensuring immutability of containers at runtime.

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