CKS Handbook Cover

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Handbook

2nd Edition

The essential guide for mastering Kubernetes security and passing the CKS exam with confidence.

Written by a Kubestronaut who's been there, done that.

Practical hands-on, real exam focus - no fluff.

Prepare smartly and pass the exam with flying colors.

Chapters

1

Exam Environment

Exam UI, terminals, applications, exam scores.

2

Quick References

Quick access and references.

3

Search Quickly

3-step mantra to searching quickly.

4

Shell Hacks

Navigate shell efficiently.

5

Exam Simulation

Free and paid exam simulators, playgrounds.

6

Cluster Setup — 15%

Network policy, CIS benchmark, Ingress TLS, metadata, platform binaries.

7

Cluster Hardening — 15%

Restrict API access, RBAC, service accounts and cluster upgrade.

8

System Hardening — 10%

Kernel hardening and reduce attack surface

9

Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — 20%

Security context, PSS, OPA gateway, secrets, runtime sandboxes, pod-to-pod encryption.

10

Supply Chain Security — 20%

Image footprint, supply chain, static analysis, and image scanning.

11

Monitoring, Logging, and Runtime Security — 20%

Behavioral analytics, immutable containers, audit logs.

12

The End

Well done on making this far!

Exam Articles

Read my latest articles on CKS exam topics. These articles complement the book content with additional insights.

Reduce Image Footprint: Must-know for CKS exam
Falco: Getting hands-on for CKS exam
Securing Kubernetes Secrets Management

Book sample. No email address needed.

FAQ

Which versions of CKS exam is covered?

The 2nd edition of the book covers the latest CKS exam changes introduced in October 2024

Is this book good for someone just preparing for CKS exam?

Absolutely. This book is ideal for those just beginning their CKS exam preparation or those who are gearing up to take the exam.

Author

Puru Tuladhar

Puru Tuladhar

CNCF Kubestronaut

Hi, I’m Puru Tuladhar, author of the CKS Handbook. With nearly a decade as a DevOps engineer, I’ve worked deeply with Linux, Kubernetes, and AWS. I’m proud to hold all five Kubernetes certifications as a CNCF Certified Kubestronaut, and I’m an AWS Certified Solutions Architect at both Associate and Professional levels.

I wrote this book because of my own journey—full of challenges and learning moments. My goal was to build a clear, practical guide that not only helps you pass the exam but also makes you a stronger Kubernetes professional.

KCNAKCSACKADCKACKSAWS CertifiedCNCF Kubestronaut

Ready to become Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist?

Get your copy today and start your journey to becoming a Kubernetes security expert.

Buy a copy