DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
IAM Policy JSON:
```
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"dynamodb:GetItem",
"dynamodb:PutItem",
"dynamodb:UpdateItem",
"dynamodb:DeleteItem"
],
"Resource": "arn:aws:dynamodb:us-east-1:123456789012:table/Orders"
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "dynamodb:DeleteItem",
"Resource": "arn:aws:dynamodb:us-east-1:123456789012:table/Orders"
}
]
}
```A database specialist created the above IAM policy for a user. When the user attempts to delete an item from the Orders table, what happens?
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
✓
The user cannot delete items because the Deny statement takes precedence.
In IAM, an explicit Deny overrides any Allow. Even though there is an Allow statement that grants DeleteItem permission, the explicit Deny for DeleteItem takes precedence, so the user cannot delete items. Option B is incorrect because the presence of a condition is irrelevant; the Deny is unconditional. Option C is incorrect because the Allow is overridden by the Deny. Option D is incorrect because the Deny in this policy explicitly blocks deletion regardless of other policies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The user cannot delete items because the Deny statement takes precedence.
Why this is correct
Explicit Deny overrides any Allow.
- ✗
The user cannot delete items because the policy does not include a condition.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny is unconditional and blocks deletion.
- ✗
The user can delete items because the Allow statement grants permission.
Why it's wrong here
Explicit Deny overrides Allow.
- ✗
The user can delete items only if they have another policy that allows it.
Why it's wrong here
Explicit Deny always overrides any Allow.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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