# Cis K8S V1120 2.1

> Ensure that the --cert-file and --key-file arguments are set as appropriate (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-2-1` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-2-1`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-2-1/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-2-1

---


# CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.12.0 - Control 2.1

## Profile Applicability

- **Level:** 1 - Master Node

## Description

Configure TLS encryption for the etcd service.

## Rationale

etcd is a highly-available key value store used by Kubernetes deployments for persistent storage of all of its REST API objects. These objects are sensitive in nature and should be encrypted in transit.

## Impact

Client connections only over TLS would be served.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command on the etcd server node:

```bash
ps -ef | grep etcd
```

Verify that the `--cert-file` and the `--key-file` arguments are set as appropriate.

## Remediation

Follow the etcd service documentation and configure TLS encryption.

Then, edit the etcd pod specification file `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/etcd.yaml` on the master node and set the below parameters.

```
--cert-file=</path/to/ca-file>
--key-file=</path/to/key-file>
```

## Default Value

By default, TLS encryption is not set.

## References

1. https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/security.html
2. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/etcd/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                           | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.11 Encrypt Sensitive Data at Rest               |      |      |      |
| v7               | 14.4 Encrypt All Sensitive Information in Transit |      |      |      |

## Profile

**Level 1 - Master Node** (Automated)