- A
AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock enabled in compliance mode
This option is correct. CloudTrail records API calls, and log file validation provides integrity. S3 Object Lock in compliance mode prevents any user, including the root user, from deleting or modifying the log files for the retention period, satisfying the tamper-proof retention requirement.
- B
AWS Config with a HIPAA conformance pack, and store the configuration history in an Amazon S3 bucket with versioning enabled
Why wrong: AWS Config tracks resource configuration changes, not API calls. While versioning helps protect against accidental overwrites, it does not prevent intentional deletion by authorized users. S3 Object Lock is required for strict write-once-read-many (WORM) compliance. Additionally, the HIPAA conformance pack is for evaluating configurations against HIPAA rules, not for recording API calls.
- C
Amazon GuardDuty with findings exported to an Amazon S3 bucket, and enable MFA Delete on the bucket
Why wrong: GuardDuty is a threat detection service that identifies suspicious activity; it does not record all API calls. MFA Delete requires multi-factor authentication to delete objects but does not block deletion by the root user who holds the MFA device. It is not sufficient for a strict 7-year retention requirement.
- D
AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with MFA Delete enabled
Why wrong: While CloudTrail with log file validation is correct for recording API calls and ensuring integrity, MFA Delete does not provide the same level of protection as S3 Object Lock in compliance mode. The root user can still delete objects because they own the MFA device. S3 Object Lock in compliance mode is the only option that prevents any user (including root) from deleting objects.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled and store the logs in an S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock in compliance mode. CloudTrail’s log file validation creates a SHA-256 hash digest that lets you verify the logs have not been altered, while S3 Object Lock in compliance mode enforces a strict retention policy that prevents any user—including the root user—from modifying or deleting objects for the specified 7-year period. On the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to meet HIPAA’s immutable audit log requirements by combining integrity verification with a write-once-read-many (WORM) storage model. A common trap is confusing governance mode with compliance mode; remember that only compliance mode locks objects against root user actions. For a quick memory tip, think “CloudTrail checks integrity, Object Lock enforces immutability—together they keep audit trails safe and compliant.”
CLF-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This CLF-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A healthcare company is subject to HIPAA regulations and must record all AWS API calls made in its account for auditing. The logs must be retained for 7 years and must be protected from any modification or deletion, including by the account root user. Which combination of AWS services should the company use to meet these requirements?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock enabled in compliance mode
Option A is correct because AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled ensures the integrity of the API call logs by using a digital signature (SHA-256 hash) to detect any tampering. Storing these logs in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock in compliance mode prevents any user, including the root user, from overwriting or deleting the objects for the specified retention period (7 years), meeting HIPAA's immutable audit log requirements.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock enabled in compliance mode
Why this is correct
This option is correct. CloudTrail records API calls, and log file validation provides integrity. S3 Object Lock in compliance mode prevents any user, including the root user, from deleting or modifying the log files for the retention period, satisfying the tamper-proof retention requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
AWS Config with a HIPAA conformance pack, and store the configuration history in an Amazon S3 bucket with versioning enabled
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config tracks resource configuration changes, not API calls. While versioning helps protect against accidental overwrites, it does not prevent intentional deletion by authorized users. S3 Object Lock is required for strict write-once-read-many (WORM) compliance. Additionally, the HIPAA conformance pack is for evaluating configurations against HIPAA rules, not for recording API calls.
- ✗
Amazon GuardDuty with findings exported to an Amazon S3 bucket, and enable MFA Delete on the bucket
Why it's wrong here
GuardDuty is a threat detection service that identifies suspicious activity; it does not record all API calls. MFA Delete requires multi-factor authentication to delete objects but does not block deletion by the root user who holds the MFA device. It is not sufficient for a strict 7-year retention requirement.
- ✗
AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with MFA Delete enabled
Why it's wrong here
While CloudTrail with log file validation is correct for recording API calls and ensuring integrity, MFA Delete does not provide the same level of protection as S3 Object Lock in compliance mode. The root user can still delete objects because they own the MFA device. S3 Object Lock in compliance mode is the only option that prevents any user (including root) from deleting objects.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse MFA Delete with S3 Object Lock, not realizing that MFA Delete can be bypassed by the root user who controls the MFA device, whereas compliance mode enforces a legal hold that even the root user cannot override.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
S3 Object Lock in compliance mode uses a retention mode that prevents any user, including the root user, from deleting or overwriting an object until the retention period expires. CloudTrail log file validation creates a digest file that contains the hash of each log file and the previous digest, forming a chain of trust that can be verified using the AWS CLI or SDK. In a real-world HIPAA audit, the combination ensures that logs are both tamper-evident and legally immutable, satisfying the requirement for 'write once, read many' (WORM) storage.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Security and Compliance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security and Compliance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CLF-C02 questions
1,024 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CLF-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CLF-C02 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Cloud Concepts practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to Cloud Concepts.
Security and Compliance practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to Security and Compliance.
Cloud Technology and Services practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to Cloud Technology and Services.
Billing, Pricing, and Support practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to Billing, Pricing, and Support.
AWS shared responsibility model practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS shared responsibility model.
AWS IAM practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS IAM.
AWS pricing practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS pricing.
AWS support plans practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS support plans.
AWS S3 practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS S3.
AWS EC2 practice questions
Practise CLF-C02 questions linked to AWS EC2.
Practice this exam
Start a free CLF-C02 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CLF-C02 question test?
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled, and store the log files in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock enabled in compliance mode — Option A is correct because AWS CloudTrail with log file validation enabled ensures the integrity of the API call logs by using a digital signature (SHA-256 hash) to detect any tampering. Storing these logs in an Amazon S3 bucket with S3 Object Lock in compliance mode prevents any user, including the root user, from overwriting or deleting the objects for the specified retention period (7 years), meeting HIPAA's immutable audit log requirements.
What should I do if I get this CLF-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CLF-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CLF-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.