Question 1,122 of 1,786
Data Security and GovernanceeasyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Using s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id in S3 Bucket Policies

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 data engineer needs to ensure that all data stored in an S3 bucket is encrypted at rest. Which S3 bucket policy condition key should be used to enforce encryption using AWS KMS?

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

s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id

Option D is correct because the s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id condition key allows you to enforce that a specific KMS key is used for server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). Option A is incorrect because s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption only checks whether server-side encryption is enabled, but does not require a specific KMS key. Option B is incorrect because kms:EncryptionContext is a condition key used in KMS policies, not S3 bucket policies. Option C is incorrect because s3:x-amz-acl is used for access control lists, not encryption.

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.

  • s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption

    Why it's wrong here

    This condition key only ensures that server-side encryption is requested, but does not enforce the use of a specific KMS key.

  • kms:EncryptionContext

    Why it's wrong here

    This is a KMS-level condition key used to check encryption context in KMS operations, not applicable to S3 bucket policies.

  • s3:x-amz-acl

    Why it's wrong here

    This condition key is for controlling access to objects via ACLs, not for encryption enforcement.

  • s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id

    Why this is correct

    This condition key allows you to require that a specific KMS key is used for server-side encryption, enforcing encryption at rest with a particular key.

    Related concept

    Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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.

Visual reference

Source Router + ACL permit 10.0.0.0/8 deny any Server 10.0.0.5 ✓ 192.168.1.1 ✗ dropped ACLs evaluate top-down; first match wins — implicit deny all at end

Quick reference

AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison

Storage ClassMin DurationRetrievalUse Case
S3 StandardNoneImmediateFrequently accessed data
S3 Standard-IA30 daysImmediateInfrequent access, rapid retrieval
S3 One Zone-IA30 daysImmediateNon-critical infrequent data
S3 Intelligent-TieringNoneImmediate–hoursUnknown or changing access patterns
S3 Glacier Instant90 daysMillisecondsArchive with instant retrieval
S3 Glacier Flexible90 daysMinutes–hoursArchive, flexible retrieval
S3 Glacier Deep Archive180 daysHoursLong-term compliance archive

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this DEA-C01 question test?

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: s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id — Option D is correct because the s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption-aws-kms-key-id condition key allows you to enforce that a specific KMS key is used for server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). Option A is incorrect because s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption only checks whether server-side encryption is enabled, but does not require a specific KMS key. Option B is incorrect because kms:EncryptionContext is a condition key used in KMS policies, not S3 bucket policies. Option C is incorrect because s3:x-amz-acl is used for access control lists, not encryption.

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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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.