The correct approach is to create an AWS Config rule with an automatic remediation action using AWS Systems Manager Automation. This is the most effective method because AWS Config can evaluate security group rules against a desired baseline, and when a non-compliant rule allowing public SSH access is detected, it triggers a Systems Manager Automation document that directly modifies the security group to remove the offending ingress rule. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the full remediation lifecycle—many candidates mistakenly think AWS Config rules alone can fix resources, but Config only evaluates and reports; the actual fix requires an automation action. A common trap is choosing CloudWatch Events, which can detect changes but cannot directly modify security groups. Remember the memory tip: “Config catches, SSM patches”—Config identifies the violation, and SSM Automation applies the surgical fix to automatically remove public SSH security group rules.
DOP-C02 Incident and Event Response Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of incident and event response. 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 uses AWS Config to track resource changes. They want to automatically remediate non-compliant security group rules that allow public SSH access. What is the MOST effective approach?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an AWS Config rule with an automatic remediation action using AWS Systems Manager Automation.
Option A is correct because AWS Config remediation with SSM Automation can automatically modify security group rules. Option B is wrong because AWS Config rules only evaluate, not remediate. Option C is wrong because CloudWatch Events cannot directly modify security groups. Option D is wrong because Service Catalog is for provisioning, not remediation.
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.
✗
Set up an AWS Config rule that triggers a Lambda function to remove the SSH rule.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but Config's built-in remediation is simpler and recommended.
✗
Use Amazon CloudWatch Events to detect the change and invoke a Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
This is reactive to changes, not proactive remediation of existing non-compliance.
✗
Use AWS Service Catalog to enforce security group templates.
Why it's wrong here
Service Catalog is for approved product creation, not remediation.
✓
Create an AWS Config rule with an automatic remediation action using AWS Systems Manager Automation.
Why this is correct
Config remediation can run an SSM Automation document to remove the rule.
Related concept
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 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.
Identify which DOP-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.
Incident and Event Response — This question tests Incident and Event Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an AWS Config rule with an automatic remediation action using AWS Systems Manager Automation. — Option A is correct because AWS Config remediation with SSM Automation can automatically modify security group rules. Option B is wrong because AWS Config rules only evaluate, not remediate. Option C is wrong because CloudWatch Events cannot directly modify security groups. Option D is wrong because Service Catalog is for provisioning, not remediation.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DOP-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.
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Question Discussion
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