The correct approach is to attach an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header. This works because S3 bucket policies can use the condition key `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption` to enforce encryption on write, rejecting any PutObject call that lacks the required encryption header—this directly enforces S3 encryption on write from Glue at the bucket level. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of preventive controls versus detective controls; a common trap is choosing CloudTrail (detective) or IAM policies (which can’t enforce bucket-level conditions as precisely). Remember that bucket policies are the only way to deny unencrypted writes at the object level, while encryption at rest only protects stored data, not the write operation itself. A useful memory tip: “Deny the Put unless the header is set” — think of the bucket policy as a bouncer that checks for the encryption ID before letting data in.
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company uses AWS Glue to process sensitive customer data stored in S3. The data engineer must ensure that the Glue ETL jobs do not write any data to S3 buckets that lack encryption. Which approach meets this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attach an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header
Option B is correct because an S3 bucket policy with a condition key `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption` or `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id` can deny PutObject if encryption is not specified. Option A is wrong because IAM policies cannot enforce encryption at the bucket level as effectively. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail is for auditing, not prevention. Option D is wrong because encryption at rest does not enforce encryption on writes.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor and alert on unencrypted writes
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail is reactive, not preventive.
✓
Attach an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header
Why this is correct
S3 bucket policies can enforce encryption on uploads.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Enable S3 default encryption on the bucket
Why it's wrong here
Default encryption does not enforce encryption on the write request; it applies after the fact.
✗
Configure an IAM role for Glue with a policy that denies s3:PutObject without encryption
Why it's wrong here
IAM policies cannot check encryption headers on PutObject; bucket policies are needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Data Security and Governance — This question tests Data Security and Governance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach an S3 bucket policy that denies s3:PutObject unless the request includes the x-amz-server-side-encryption header — Option B is correct because an S3 bucket policy with a condition key `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption` or `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id` can deny PutObject if encryption is not specified. Option A is wrong because IAM policies cannot enforce encryption at the bucket level as effectively. Option C is wrong because CloudTrail is for auditing, not prevention. Option D is wrong because encryption at rest does not enforce encryption on writes.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DEA-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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