This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of security and compliance. 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 security audit reveals that EC2 instances have security groups with overly permissive inbound rules allowing all traffic (0.0.0.0/0) on SSH port 22. What is the BEST way to remediate this at scale?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Config with a managed rule to detect and auto-remediate.
Option A is correct because AWS Config with a managed rule like 'restricted-ssh' can detect and remediate non-compliant security groups. Option B is wrong because manually updating is not scalable. Option C is wrong because SCPs do not control security group rules directly. Option D is wrong because a Lambda function triggered by CloudWatch Events could work but AWS Config provides built-in remediation.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Use AWS Config with a managed rule to detect and auto-remediate.
Why this is correct
Automated detection and remediation at scale.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Apply a service control policy (SCP) to deny opening port 22.
Why it's wrong here
SCPs cannot control individual security group rules.
✗
Manually update each security group to restrict SSH to known IPs.
Why it's wrong here
Not scalable for many instances.
✗
Use CloudWatch Events to trigger a Lambda function that modifies security groups.
Why it's wrong here
Possible but AWS Config is more straightforward.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security and Compliance — This question tests Security and Compliance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Config with a managed rule to detect and auto-remediate. — Option A is correct because AWS Config with a managed rule like 'restricted-ssh' can detect and remediate non-compliant security groups. Option B is wrong because manually updating is not scalable. Option C is wrong because SCPs do not control security group rules directly. Option D is wrong because a Lambda function triggered by CloudWatch Events could work but AWS Config provides built-in remediation.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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