The answer is to add a statement to the KMS key policy that denies the `kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion` action for all principals except the root user. This works because KMS key policies are the authoritative access control mechanism for a customer-managed key; a resource-based policy can explicitly deny an action, overriding any allow from an IAM policy or other principal, thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized deletion. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the hierarchy of AWS access controls—specifically that key policies take precedence over IAM policies for KMS operations. A common trap is confusing detection (CloudTrail or CloudWatch Events) with prevention, or assuming key rotation blocks deletion. Memory tip: think of the key policy as the "last line of defense" for the key itself—deny the delete action at the resource level, not just the identity level.
DEA-C01 Data Security and Governance Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data security and governance. 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 gaming company uses Amazon Redshift for analytics. The Redshift cluster stores user data that must be encrypted at rest using a customer-managed KMS key. The company has enabled audit logging using AWS CloudTrail. The security team wants to ensure that any attempt to disable or delete the KMS key is immediately detected and triggers an automated response. They have set up a CloudWatch Events rule that triggers an SNS notification when the KMS key is scheduled for deletion. However, they also want to prevent the key from being deleted accidentally. What should they do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a statement to the KMS key policy that denies 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion' for all principals except the root user.
Option B is correct because enabling key rotation does not prevent deletion. Option A is wrong because while CloudTrail can detect deletion, it does not prevent it. Option C is correct because a KMS key policy can explicitly deny the 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion' action for all principals except the account root, preventing accidental deletion. Option D is wrong because using an IAM policy to deny deletion is less reliable if the key policy allows it; the key policy is the authoritative control.
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.
✗
Enable automatic key rotation for the KMS key to ensure that even if the key is deleted, the data remains encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
Key rotation does not prevent deletion.
✓
Add a statement to the KMS key policy that denies 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion' for all principals except the root user.
Why this is correct
This prevents any IAM user or role from scheduling key deletion.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Attach an IAM policy to the Redshift cluster role that denies 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion'.
Why it's wrong here
The key policy controls access to the key; an IAM policy alone may not be sufficient if the key policy allows deletion.
✗
Set up a CloudTrail trail to monitor for 'ScheduleKeyDeletion' events and send an alert to the security team.
Why it's wrong here
This detects deletion but does not prevent it.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: Add a statement to the KMS key policy that denies 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion' for all principals except the root user. — Option B is correct because enabling key rotation does not prevent deletion. Option A is wrong because while CloudTrail can detect deletion, it does not prevent it. Option C is correct because a KMS key policy can explicitly deny the 'kms:ScheduleKeyDeletion' action for all principals except the account root, preventing accidental deletion. Option D is wrong because using an IAM policy to deny deletion is less reliable if the key policy allows it; the key policy is the authoritative control.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A data engineer receives an alert that an AWS KMS key has been scheduled for deletion by mistake. What is the immediate action to prevent the key from being deleted?
easy
✓ A.Cancel the key deletion from the KMS console or API.
B.Create a new KMS key and re-encrypt the data.
C.Wait for the key to be deleted and restore it from backup.
D.Disable the key immediately to stop usage.
Why A: Option B is correct because KMS keys in pending deletion can be canceled to restore the key to its previous state. Option A is wrong because creating a new key does not restore the old one. Option C is wrong because disabling the key does not cancel deletion. Option D is wrong because the default waiting period is 7-30 days, but the deletion can be canceled during that time.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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This DEA-C01 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 DEA-C01 exam.
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