This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 company runs a web application on EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group. The application uses an IAM role to access an S3 bucket that stores user uploads. Recently, the security team discovered that some uploaded files contain malicious content. The team wants to implement a solution that automatically scans new objects for malware and blocks access if threats are detected. The solution must be cost-effective and minimize latency for legitimate uploads. The developer is tasked with designing this solution. Which approach should the developer take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Use S3 Batch Operations to run a scanning script on all existing objects and then schedule periodic scans.
Why wrong: Batch Operations is not real-time.
B
Use S3 Object Lambda to transform objects upon retrieval and check for malware.
Why wrong: S3 Object Lambda modifies objects, not scan for malware.
C
Enable Amazon Macie on the S3 bucket to automatically detect malicious content.
Why wrong: Macie is for sensitive data, not malware.
D
Enable Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection, configure an S3 event notification to trigger a Lambda function that scans new objects using a third-party malware engine, and update the bucket policy to deny access to objects that fail the scan.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection, configure an S3 event notification to trigger a Lambda function that scans new objects using a third-party malware engine, and update the bucket policy to deny access to objects that fail the scan.
Option D is correct because using Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection and an S3 Event Notification to trigger a Lambda function for scanning provides automated threat detection and response. Option A is wrong because S3 Object Lambda is for modifying objects, not scanning. Option B is wrong because Macie is for sensitive data discovery, not malware. Option C is wrong because S3 Batch Operations is for large-scale batch jobs, not real-time scanning.
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 S3 Batch Operations to run a scanning script on all existing objects and then schedule periodic scans.
Why it's wrong here
Batch Operations is not real-time.
✗
Use S3 Object Lambda to transform objects upon retrieval and check for malware.
Why it's wrong here
S3 Object Lambda modifies objects, not scan for malware.
✗
Enable Amazon Macie on the S3 bucket to automatically detect malicious content.
Why it's wrong here
Macie is for sensitive data, not malware.
✓
Enable Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection, configure an S3 event notification to trigger a Lambda function that scans new objects using a third-party malware engine, and update the bucket policy to deny access to objects that fail the scan.
Why this is correct
Provides real-time scanning and access control.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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 DVA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security — This question tests Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection, configure an S3 event notification to trigger a Lambda function that scans new objects using a third-party malware engine, and update the bucket policy to deny access to objects that fail the scan. — Option D is correct because using Amazon GuardDuty with S3 protection and an S3 Event Notification to trigger a Lambda function for scanning provides automated threat detection and response. Option A is wrong because S3 Object Lambda is for modifying objects, not scanning. Option B is wrong because Macie is for sensitive data discovery, not malware. Option C is wrong because S3 Batch Operations is for large-scale batch jobs, not real-time scanning.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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