Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create an IAM role with the SecurityAudit managed policy and allow the third-party auditor to assume it. This is the most appropriate method because it grants read-only access to security services and AWS account activity without creating long-term credentials, adhering to the principle of least privilege. By using an IAM role, you avoid the security risks of sharing root account access or creating a permanent IAM user for an external party, as the role provides temporary, scoped credentials that the auditor can assume only when needed. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cross-account access and managed policies; a common trap is choosing AdministratorAccess, which is not read-only, or creating an IAM user, which is less secure than a role. Remember the mnemonic: “Role for the goal, user is a loser” — always prefer a role for third-party access.
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 wants to give a third-party auditor read-only access to their AWS account for compliance purposes. What is the most appropriate way to grant this access?
Attach the AdministratorAccess managed policy to an IAM user.
Why wrong: AdministratorAccess is not read-only.
Create an IAM role with the SecurityAudit managed policy and allow the auditor to assume it.
Least privilege and secure.
Create an IAM user with a custom policy that allows all actions.
Why wrong: Not read-only and too permissive.
Share the root account credentials with the auditor.
Why wrong: Root account should not be shared.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create an IAM role with the SecurityAudit managed policy and allow the auditor to assume it.
Option D is correct because an IAM role with the SecurityAudit policy provides read-only access to security services and is the least privilege. Option A is wrong because creating an IAM user is less secure than a role. Option B is wrong because root account access should never be shared. Option C is wrong because the AdministratorAccess policy is not read-only.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Attach the AdministratorAccess managed policy to an IAM user.
Why it's wrong here
AdministratorAccess is not read-only.
Create an IAM role with the SecurityAudit managed policy and allow the auditor to assume it.
Why this is correct
Least privilege and secure.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Create an IAM user with a custom policy that allows all actions.
Why it's wrong here
Not read-only and too permissive.
Share the root account credentials with the auditor.
Why it's wrong here
Root account should not be shared.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Create an IAM role with the SecurityAudit managed policy and allow the auditor to assume it. — Option D is correct because an IAM role with the SecurityAudit policy provides read-only access to security services and is the least privilege. Option A is wrong because creating an IAM user is less secure than a role. Option B is wrong because root account access should never be shared. Option C is wrong because the AdministratorAccess policy is not read-only.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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