- A
Build the image with the 'latest' tag first, then run the security scan. If it fails, delete the 'latest' tag.
Why wrong: This is inefficient and leaves a window where 'latest' is vulnerable.
- B
In the post_build phase, run the security scan, and if it passes, tag the image with 'latest' and push.
This ensures only passing images get the 'latest' tag.
- C
Use ECR lifecycle policies to remove images that do not pass the security scan.
Why wrong: Lifecycle policies are based on age/count, not scan results.
- D
Tag the image with 'latest' only after the build phase, regardless of scan results.
Why wrong: This violates the requirement.
Question 1,050 of 1,750
Implementing Conditional Docker Tagging in AWS CodeBuild Post Security Scan
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. 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 team uses AWS CodeBuild to build Docker images and push them to Amazon ECR. The buildspec.yml includes a post_build step that runs a security scan. The team wants to ensure that only images that pass the security scan are tagged as 'latest'. Which approach should be used?
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
✓
In the post_build phase, run the security scan, and if it passes, tag the image with 'latest' and push.
Option B is correct because it ensures that only images passing the security scan receive the 'latest' tag. By running the scan in the post_build phase and conditionally tagging only on success, the team avoids ever pushing a vulnerable image with the 'latest' tag. This approach follows the principle of atomic tagging, where the tag is applied only after all validation steps pass.
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.
- ✗
Build the image with the 'latest' tag first, then run the security scan. If it fails, delete the 'latest' tag.
Why it's wrong here
This is inefficient and leaves a window where 'latest' is vulnerable.
- ✓
In the post_build phase, run the security scan, and if it passes, tag the image with 'latest' and push.
Why this is correct
This ensures only passing images get the 'latest' tag.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use ECR lifecycle policies to remove images that do not pass the security scan.
Why it's wrong here
Lifecycle policies are based on age/count, not scan results.
- ✗
Tag the image with 'latest' only after the build phase, regardless of scan results.
Why it's wrong here
This violates the requirement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think deleting a tag after a failure is sufficient, but they overlook the race condition where the 'latest' tag is already published and could be consumed before deletion.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, CodeBuild executes buildspec phases sequentially. In the post_build phase, you can run a Docker security scanner (e.g., Trivy, Snyk, or Amazon Inspector) against the image ID. If the scan passes, you use `docker tag` to add the 'latest' tag to the existing image ID and then `docker push` to ECR. This ensures that the 'latest' tag always points to a validated image. A subtle behavior is that ECR does not enforce tag immutability by default, so a failed scan could overwrite a previously good 'latest' tag if not handled carefully.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: In the post_build phase, run the security scan, and if it passes, tag the image with 'latest' and push. — Option B is correct because it ensures that only images passing the security scan receive the 'latest' tag. By running the scan in the post_build phase and conditionally tagging only on success, the team avoids ever pushing a vulnerable image with the 'latest' tag. This approach follows the principle of atomic tagging, where the tag is applied only after all validation steps pass.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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