The answer is enabling log file validation and using server-side encryption with AWS KMS managed keys (SSE-KMS). Log file validation creates a cryptographically signed digest file that allows you to verify that CloudTrail logs have not been tampered with, deleted, or modified after delivery, ensuring integrity. SSE-KMS then encrypts the log files at rest using a customer-managed key, providing an additional security layer by controlling who can decrypt the logs. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of CloudTrail’s built-in security features versus common misconceptions—many candidates mistakenly choose MFA delete or S3 versioning, but CloudTrail does not support versioning, and MFA delete is an S3 feature unrelated to log integrity. A common trap is confusing S3 security controls with CloudTrail-specific mechanisms. Remember the mnemonic “IVK” for Integrity via Validation, Key via KMS.
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
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 is using AWS CloudTrail to monitor API activity. Which TWO actions are required to ensure the integrity and security of the log files?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable log file validation.
Options A and E are correct because enabling log file validation creates a digest file for integrity, and using SSE-KMS encrypts the logs. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not have versioning. Option C is wrong because MFA delete helps with S3 versioning, not CloudTrail. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not support VPC endpoints by default; you need to set up a gateway endpoint.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Enable log file validation.
Why this is correct
Provides integrity verification using digest files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable MFA Delete on the CloudTrail S3 bucket.
Why it's wrong here
MFA Delete is for additional protection, not required for integrity.
✗
Enable S3 bucket versioning on the CloudTrail bucket.
Why it's wrong here
Not required for CloudTrail integrity; validation serves that purpose.
✗
Use an S3 VPC endpoint to access the CloudTrail bucket.
Why it's wrong here
VPC endpoint is for network security, not log integrity.
✓
Use server-side encryption with AWS KMS managed keys (SSE-KMS).
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable log file validation. — Options A and E are correct because enabling log file validation creates a digest file for integrity, and using SSE-KMS encrypts the logs. Option B is wrong because CloudTrail does not have versioning. Option C is wrong because MFA delete helps with S3 versioning, not CloudTrail. Option D is wrong because CloudTrail does not support VPC endpoints by default; you need to set up a gateway endpoint.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DVA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.