- A
Create an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances if the specified IAM role is not the approved role
Why wrong: SCP cannot check the role being attached; it can only check if an instance profile is present.
- B
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies the ec2:RunInstances action unless an instance profile is attached
Why wrong: SCP can deny launch without instance profile, but cannot enforce a specific role.
- C
Use AWS Config to detect instances without the required role and terminate them via Lambda
Why wrong: Reactive, not preventive.
- D
Create an IAM policy that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the instance is launched with the required IAM role, and attach it to all users
IAM policies can use condition keys like iam:PassedToService to enforce specific roles.
DOP-C02 Security and Compliance Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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 company's security policy requires that all EC2 instances must be launched with an IAM role that provides least privilege access. A DevOps engineer needs to enforce this across the organization. Which approach is MOST effective?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
Create an IAM policy that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the instance is launched with the required IAM role, and attach it to all users
Using an IAM policy with a condition that denies instance launch unless a specific IAM role is attached. Option A is wrong because it only restricts instance profiles, not the launch. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce a specific role attachment. Option D is wrong because instance metadata service does not enforce roles.
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.
- ✗
Create an SCP that denies ec2:RunInstances if the specified IAM role is not the approved role
Why it's wrong here
SCP cannot check the role being attached; it can only check if an instance profile is present.
- ✗
Create a service control policy (SCP) that denies the ec2:RunInstances action unless an instance profile is attached
Why it's wrong here
SCP can deny launch without instance profile, but cannot enforce a specific role.
- ✗
Use AWS Config to detect instances without the required role and terminate them via Lambda
Why it's wrong here
Reactive, not preventive.
- ✓
Create an IAM policy that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the instance is launched with the required IAM role, and attach it to all users
Why this is correct
IAM policies can use condition keys like iam:PassedToService to enforce specific roles.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 DOP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Security and Compliance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an IAM policy that denies ec2:RunInstances unless the instance is launched with the required IAM role, and attach it to all users — Using an IAM policy with a condition that denies instance launch unless a specific IAM role is attached. Option A is wrong because it only restricts instance profiles, not the launch. Option B is wrong because SCPs cannot enforce a specific role attachment. Option D is wrong because instance metadata service does not enforce roles.
What should I do if I get this DOP-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 DOP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DOP-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 DOP-C02 exam.
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