20+ practice questions focused on Threat Detection and Incident Response — one of the most tested topics on the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Threat Detection and Incident Response PracticeA security team suspects that an attacker has compromised an EC2 instance and is using it to launch outbound DDoS attacks. The team needs to quickly isolate the instance while preserving forensic data. Which combination of actions should the team take? (Choose TWO.)
Explanation: Applying a restrictive security group that blocks all outbound traffic immediately stops the EC2 instance from sending any network packets, including DDoS traffic, without terminating the instance. This preserves the running state and allows forensic data collection from the instance's memory and disk. Security groups act as a stateful virtual firewall at the instance level, so blocking outbound traffic effectively isolates the instance from the network.
During an incident response, a security engineer needs to collect memory and disk forensics from a running EC2 Windows instance without causing the instance to crash. The engineer has AWS Systems Manager SSM Agent installed. Which method should the engineer use?
Explanation: An EBS snapshot provides a forensic copy of the root volume but cannot capture volatile memory (RAM). To collect memory forensics, the engineer must run a memory dump tool via SSM Run Command before taking the snapshot. Since none of the options include a memory capture method, the question should be revised to either ask specifically for disk forensics or add an option for memory capture. As written, the question is invalid.
A company uses AWS Organizations with multiple accounts. The security team wants to ensure that all API calls in the organization are logged and retained for at least one year. Which AWS services or features should be used to meet these requirements? (Choose TWO.)
Explanation: An Amazon S3 lifecycle policy can automatically transition CloudTrail log objects from S3 Standard to S3 Glacier after one year, meeting the retention requirement cost-effectively. Option E is correct because AWS CloudTrail with an organization trail logs all API calls across all accounts in the AWS Organization, ensuring comprehensive logging.
A security engineer reviews the CloudTrail log entry in the exhibit. The engineer notices that an EC2 instance was launched using an AdminRole. Which additional information would help determine if this is a legitimate action or a potential compromise?
Explanation: The source IP address 203.0.113.50 is from an unexpected geographic location not associated with the company. In CloudTrail, the `sourceIPAddress` field records the originating IP of the API call. If an AdminRole is used from an IP outside the company's known CIDR ranges or geographic regions, it strongly indicates a potential compromise—such as stolen credentials or an attacker using the role from an unauthorized network. This is a key indicator of anomalous behavior in threat detection.
During a security incident, a security engineer needs to verify whether an EC2 instance's security group allowed inbound SSH from a specific IP address at the time of the incident. Which AWS service or feature should the engineer use to obtain this historical information?
Explanation: AWS Config configuration history records changes to security group rules, including the addition or removal of inbound SSH allow rules. By querying the configuration history for the specific security group, the engineer can determine the exact state of the rules at the time of the incident, including whether a specific IP address was allowed. This is the only service that provides a historical record of security group rule configurations.
+15 more Threat Detection and Incident Response questions available
Practice all Threat Detection and Incident Response questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Threat Detection and Incident Response. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Threat Detection and Incident Response questions on the SCS-C02 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Threat Detection and Incident Response is tested as part of the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Threat Detection and Incident Response questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Threat Detection and Incident Response is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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