DVA-C02 Development with AWS Services Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of development with aws services. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Amazon API Gateway to expose a REST API backed by AWS Lambda. The API has a resource /items with GET and POST methods. The GET method returns items from a DynamoDB table. The POST method adds an item to the table. Currently, all methods are open to the public. Security requirements mandate that only authenticated users can access the POST method, while the GET method remains public. Which THREE steps should the developer take to meet these requirements?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the Lambda authorizer only on the POST method in the API Gateway.
Option A is correct because a Lambda authorizer can validate tokens. Option C is correct because the authorizer can be configured only on the POST method. Option E is correct because the Lambda authorizer returns an IAM policy that allows or denies access. Option B is incorrect because Cognito User Pools authorizer would apply to the entire API. Option D is incorrect because resource policies are global, not method-specific.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure the Lambda authorizer only on the POST method in the API Gateway.
Why this is correct
Authorizers can be applied per method.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
Create a Lambda function as an authorizer that validates a JWT token from the Authorization header.
Why this is correct
Lambda authorizer can validate tokens and return an IAM policy.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✓
In the Lambda authorizer, return an IAM policy that allows execute-api:Invoke on the POST method.
Why this is correct
The authorizer returns a policy document that grants or denies access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use an Amazon Cognito User Pools authorizer for the entire API.
Why it's wrong here
This would apply to all methods, not just POST.
✗
Add a resource policy that denies public access to the POST method.
Why it's wrong here
Resource policies affect the whole API, not specific methods.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DVA-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Development with AWS Services — This question tests Development with AWS Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the Lambda authorizer only on the POST method in the API Gateway. — Option A is correct because a Lambda authorizer can validate tokens. Option C is correct because the authorizer can be configured only on the POST method. Option E is correct because the Lambda authorizer returns an IAM policy that allows or denies access. Option B is incorrect because Cognito User Pools authorizer would apply to the entire API. Option D is incorrect because resource policies are global, not method-specific.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DVA-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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