Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Training

Duration: 20 - 25 Hrs

Why Learn CKS?

1. Build expertise in securing Kubernetes clusters and workloads.
2. Learn end-to-end security for cluster setup, runtime, and compliance.
3. Security is a top priority for cloud-native enterprises.
4. Advance your career in DevSecOps and cloud security.

About the Course

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification validates your skills in securing Kubernetes environments throughout the container lifecycle. This includes cluster hardening, runtime protection, supply chain security, and monitoring. The course is designed with hands-on labs and real-world security practices to help you confidently pass the CKS exam.

Who Should Do CKS?

The CKS Certification is ideal for professionals who focus on Kubernetes security and compliance:

  • DevOps / Cloud Security Engineers – applying DevSecOps practices in Kubernetes environments.
  • Kubernetes Administrators – securing enterprise-scale clusters.
  • Infrastructure & Platform Engineers – implementing cluster hardening and compliance standards.
  • Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) – monitoring and defending workloads from threats.
  • IT Security Specialists – focusing on runtime security, RBAC, and network policies.

🚫 Not recommended for beginners. Prior Kubernetes knowledge (CKA-level) is expected.

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Course Content

This course is aligned with the latest CNCF CKS exam curriculum.

Module 1: Cluster Setup (10%)
  • Designing secure cluster architecture
  • Installing secure control plane & nodes
  • Applying security patches & upgrades
  • Minimizing host OS vulnerabilities
Module 2: Cluster Hardening (15%)
  • Restricting API access & authentication
  • RBAC best practices
  • Minimizing cluster attack surface
  • Securing kubelet & API server configs
Module 3: System Hardening (15%)
  • Seccomp, AppArmor & SELinux basics
  • Restricting Linux kernel capabilities
  • Immutable container images
  • Minimizing container OS vulnerabilities
Module 4: Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities (20%)
  • Scanning container images for CVEs
  • Pod security contexts & admission controls
  • CI/CD security integration
  • Restricting root access & privilege escalation
Module 5: Supply Chain Security (20%)
  • Secure container registries
  • Image signing & verification
  • Trusted CI/CD pipelines
  • Mitigating supply chain attacks
Module 6: Monitoring, Logging & Runtime Security (20%)
  • Audit logging & monitoring
  • Detecting anomalies in workloads
  • Runtime security tools (Falco, Seccomp, AppArmor)
  • Incident response and threat detection
Module 7: Networking Policies & Security (15%)
  • Enforcing Kubernetes Network Policies
  • Ingress & egress control
  • Pod-to-pod communication restrictions
  • Securing Kubernetes DNS
Module 8: Exam Preparation
  • CKS exam format & strategy
  • Hands-on practice labs
  • kubectl tips & shortcuts
  • Time management best practices
Learning Outcomes
  • Secure Kubernetes clusters against real-world threats
  • Implement RBAC, network policies & security contexts
  • Harden container images and runtime environments
  • Protect CI/CD pipelines and supply chain
  • Confidently prepare for and pass the CKS exam