- A
The Lambda function is not configured to run inside a VPC.
Why wrong: Not required for security constraints.
- B
The SAM template does not specify an S3 bucket for the deployment artifacts.
Why wrong: Not a security constraint.
- C
The API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access without any authorization.
SAM requires authorization for APIs.
- D
The Lambda function's memory size is set too high.
Why wrong: Not related.
Question 918 of 1,616
Fix AWS SAM Error: Security Constraints Not Satisfied
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 developer is deploying a serverless application using the AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM). The application consists of an AWS Lambda function and an Amazon API Gateway REST API. The developer runs 'sam deploy' but the deployment fails with the error: 'Error: Security Constraints Not Satisfied'. The developer checks the IAM policies and confirms that the Lambda function has the necessary permissions. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access without any authorization.
Option C is correct. SAM enforces security constraints during deployment. If the API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access (i.e., no authorization), the deployment fails with 'Security Constraints Not Satisfied'. Option A is incorrect because SAM does not require a Lambda function to be in a VPC. Option B is incorrect because SAM can automatically create an S3 bucket. Option D is incorrect because memory size does not cause this error.
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.
- ✗
The Lambda function is not configured to run inside a VPC.
Why it's wrong here
Not required for security constraints.
- ✗
The SAM template does not specify an S3 bucket for the deployment artifacts.
Why it's wrong here
Not a security constraint.
- ✓
The API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access without any authorization.
Why this is correct
SAM requires authorization for APIs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The Lambda function's memory size is set too high.
Why it's wrong here
Not related.
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 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.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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.
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Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Deployment — This question tests Deployment — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access without any authorization. — Option C is correct. SAM enforces security constraints during deployment. If the API Gateway endpoint is configured with 'OPEN' access (i.e., no authorization), the deployment fails with 'Security Constraints Not Satisfied'. Option A is incorrect because SAM does not require a Lambda function to be in a VPC. Option B is incorrect because SAM can automatically create an S3 bucket. Option D is incorrect because memory size does not cause this error.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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